A recent study led by UCL researchers reveals that women going through perimenopause are 40% more likely to experience depression compared to those not experiencing menopausal symptoms.
The research, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, analysed data from seven studies involving 9,141 women worldwide.
Perimenopause, occurring three to five years before menopause, sees fluctuating hormone levels, leading to mood swings, irregular periods, and increased depression risk. It happens before menopause when a woman’s menstrual cycle ends.
Lasting up to eight years, perimenopause can present a significant risk for depressive symptoms, according to the study.
Premenopausal women had lower depression risks compared to those in perimenopause, while post-menopausal women showed no significant increase in depression risk.
Standardised assessments, like the Patient Health Questionnaire PHQ-9, measured symptoms.
Dr Roopal Desai from UCL Psychology & Language Sciences emphasised the need for support and screening for perimenopausal women to address their mental health effectively.
The study highlights the impact of menopausal symptoms on women’s mental well-being, requiring greater awareness and support in various aspects of life.
The research builds on previous findings suggesting that therapies like mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy could effectively treat non-physical menopausal symptoms.
Lead author Yasmeen Badawy highlighted the study’s global scope, indicating that cultural factors alone couldn’t explain perimenopausal depression.
However, the study has limitations, such as not considering participants’ history of depression or comparing symptoms between perimenopausal and post-menopausal women, due to adjustments for covariates in individual studies.
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
