Perimenopause Increases Women’s Depression Risk by 40%

A recent study led by UCL researchers found that women are 40% more likely to experience depression during the perimenopausal stage compared to those not experiencing menopausal symptoms. The research, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, involved a meta-analysis of seven studies with 9,141 women from different parts of the world, including Australia, the USA, China, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The study aimed to understand the association between different stages of menopause and the risk of depression.

The perimenopause typically occurs three to five years before the onset of menopause. During this period, women’s estrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate, causing mood changes, irregular menstrual cycles, and other menopausal symptoms, including increased feelings of depression. This stage continues until one year after a woman’s last period and can last between four and eight years in total.

The researchers found that women in the perimenopausal stage had a significantly higher risk (around 40%) of experiencing depressive symptoms and being diagnosed with depression compared to premenopausal women. However, there was no significant increase in depression risk for post-menopausal women compared to premenopausal women. Symptoms were measured using standardized, internationally recognized self-report instruments, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire PHQ-9, which considers factors like a lack of interest in activities, sleep issues, and feelings of low mood.

Dr. Roopal Desai, the senior author of the study from UCL Psychology & Language Sciences, emphasized the importance of recognizing that women in the perimenopausal stage are more vulnerable to experiencing depression. She noted that these findings highlight the need to provide support and screening for women to address their mental health needs effectively.

This study follows the researchers’ previous publication, which found that therapies such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy could effectively treat non-physical symptoms of menopause. Professor Aimee Spector, the corresponding author from UCL Psychology & Language Sciences, stressed the significant impact menopausal symptoms can have on women’s wellbeing and quality of life. She called for greater awareness and support to ensure that perimenopausal women receive appropriate help and care medically, in the workplace, and at home.

Yasmeen Badawy, the lead author and a UCL Master’s student, pointed out that combining data from global studies indicates that these findings cannot be attributed to cultural factors or lifestyle changes alone, which have sometimes been used to explain the depressive symptoms women experience during perimenopause.

The study underscores the critical need to address mental health issues among perimenopausal women. As women spend years of their lives dealing with menopausal symptoms, it is crucial to provide adequate support to mitigate the adverse effects on their mental health. The findings suggest that healthcare providers should be vigilant in screening for depression in perimenopausal women and offer suitable interventions to help them navigate this challenging life stage.

Furthermore, the study’s global scope reinforces the universality of the findings, suggesting that the increased risk of depression during perimenopause is not confined to specific cultures or lifestyles. This broad applicability emphasizes the need for a universally applicable approach to supporting perimenopausal women.

In conclusion, the study highlights the heightened risk of depression during perimenopause and the necessity for increased awareness, support, and appropriate interventions to address the mental health needs of women during this transitional period. By acknowledging the vulnerability of perimenopausal women to depression and providing targeted support, healthcare providers, employers, and families can help improve the overall wellbeing and quality of life for women experiencing menopause.

Source: Materials provided by University College London. Content edited for style & length.