Women Going Through Perimenopause Are More at Risk for Depression, Study Reveals

The transition years before menopause can bring about a whirlwind of different symptoms including changes physically, emotionally and mentally. So, it’s not surprising that perimenopause depression may be something you experience during this time. A recent study revealed that women in this stage of life are 40 percent more likely to struggle with this mental health condition than those in the menopause or post-menopause phase. Keep reading to learn more about perimenopause depression and how you can get the proper help and care.

What causes perimenopause depression?

Perimenopause is a time when your ovaries gradually stop working and can impact your menstrual cycle up until your final period. Lots of things change during this time, especially your hormones which can result in mood swings and potential depression. 

Lauren Streicher MD, medical director of community education and outreach at Midi Health, says alterations in hormone levels impact estrogen receptors in the brain, which in turn impact serotonin, the neurotransmitter that controls mood and can result in perimenopause depression. 

Other symptoms including hot flashes, insomnia, an increase in weight or a decrease in energy can all impact mood and be signs of perimenopause depression.

Why are perimenopause women at higher risk of depression?

“Perimenopause is a window of vulnerability for both major depressive episodes and depressive symptoms. (They are NOT the same thing),” explains Dr. Streicher. “The women who are at greatest risk, especially for a major depressive episode, are women who have a history of depression.” If you’ve suffered from clinical depression in the past, it’s important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible to prevent any further issues.

A recent study from the Journal of Affective Disorders revealed that “data from 9,141 women showed that perimenopause is the stage associated with the most elevated risks of depression.” The women, who were from the U.S., China, Australia, the Netherlands and Switzerland shared information on their moods and their level of interest for activities. 

Dr. Streicher says women are twice as likely to experience depressive symptoms during perimenopause than they are during pre or post-menopause.

How perimenopausal women can alleviate symptoms of depression

When it comes to treating depression from perimenopause, it’s important to look at the overall cause rather than the symptoms. “In this instance, the root cause of these symptoms is hormone loss,” says Bruce Dorr, MD, FPMRS, FACOG, a senior medical advisor for Biote.

Instead of addressing the hormones, many healthcare professionals will prescribe sleeping aids or antidepressants which may not help if you’re going through perimenopause. “These prescriptions can lead to additional problems like libido loss, sexual dysfunction and weight gain,” says Dr. Dorr. Many perimenopausal women take antidepressants but should seek additional treatment if these aren’t addressing all of the changes their body goes through. 

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helps perimenopause and depression

Since your hormones are constantly fluctuating during this stage, doctors often suggest treatment through hormone replacement therapy (HRT). “This is the process of putting these hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, back inside the body,” says Dr. Dorr.

With different methods such as pills, tablets, gels, creams, patches or needle injections, it’s easy to supplement those hormones your body may not be creating. 

“Adding these hormones back into the body reactivates the processes lost when they are depleted,” says Dr. Dorr. “HRT can restore your hormones to an optimal level, helping to protect the brain, heart and bones.” It also helps with other perimenopausal symptoms which ultimately reduces the greater risk of depression. 

“If someone has severe symptoms, or a history of depression, a consultation with a psychiatrist is appropriate,” Dr. Streicher adds.

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.