A global research analysis suggests that perimenopausal women have a 40% higher risk of experiencing depression than premenopausal women.
Experts from University College London (UCL) have found that women are more likely to become depressed just before their periods stop, which can lead to new cases or worsen existing symptoms. did. This study highlights the need to provide support and screening to effectively address women’s mental health needs.
Researchers say perimenopause typically begins about three to five years before menopause begins. Women typically reach menopause between the ages of 49 and 52, and it has previously been found that this age is when women have the highest rates of depression.
Common mental health symptoms during perimenopause include low mood, anxiety, mood swings, low self-esteem, and problems with memory and concentration. Physical symptoms include hot flashes, trouble sleeping, heart palpitations, muscle and joint pain, and weight gain.
The new study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, examined data from seven studies involving 9,141 women from around the world, including Australia, the United States, China, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
The study concluded that perimenopausal women have a “significantly higher risk of depressive symptoms and a diagnosis of depression” (approximately 40% higher) than premenopausal women.
Researchers did not find a significantly increased risk of depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women when compared to premenopausal women.
They suggested that one biological reason is that the drop in estrogen that women experience during menopause may trigger the onset of new symptoms or worsening of existing depressive symptoms.
Estrogen is “known to influence the metabolism of neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, endorphins, and serotonin) that influence emotional states,” the researchers said.
Night sweats can also cause sleep disturbances, which may also play a role, but it’s not conclusive, the researchers added.
Having a history of depression is also associated with depression in menopausal women, but other studies have noted that caring for both elderly parents and children may make women more vulnerable. ing.
The authors said one of the limitations of the study was that it could not account for whether the women had a history of depression.
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Lead author Yasmin Badawi said: “Taken together with data from global studies, these findings support the cultural and lifestyle factors that have sometimes been used to explain the depressive symptoms women experience during perimenopause. “It shows that this is not just due to a change in style.”
Lead author Dr Roopal Desai said: “This study shows that women in perimenopause are significantly more likely to experience depression than before and after this stage.
“Our findings highlight the importance of recognizing that women at this life stage are more likely to experience depression. , it also highlights the need to provide support and screening.”
In a previous study, the same researchers found that therapies such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy may be effective treatments for the non-physical symptoms of menopause.
Corresponding author Professor Amy Spector said: “A woman spends years of her life battling the symptoms of menopause, which can have a huge impact on her health and quality of life.
“Our findings demonstrate how severely perimenopausal women’s mental health can be affected during this period. We need more awareness and support to get help and care.”
