Study Finds Perimenopausal Women 40% More Likely to Experience Depression: UCL Researchers
The perimenopausal stage can be a challenging time for women, as a new study led by UCL researchers has found that they are 40% more likely to experience depression during this period compared to those who are not experiencing any menopausal symptoms.
The research, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, analyzed data from seven studies involving over 9,000 women from around the world to understand the relationship between different stages of menopause and the risk of depression. The findings revealed that women in the perimenopausal stage had a significantly higher risk of experiencing depressive symptoms and being diagnosed with depression compared to premenopausal women.
During the perimenopause, which typically occurs three to five years before menopause, women’s estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, leading to mood changes, irregular menstrual cycles, and increased feelings of depression. This stage can last for four to eight years in total, continuing until one year after a woman’s last period.
Senior author Dr. Roopal Desai emphasized the importance of recognizing the vulnerability of women in the perimenopausal stage to depression and the need for support and screening to address their mental health needs effectively. The study also highlighted the effectiveness of therapy, such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy, in treating non-physical symptoms of menopause.
Lead author Yasmeen Badawy, a UCL Masters student, stressed the significance of raising awareness and providing support for perimenopausal women to ensure they receive appropriate help and care. The study’s limitations include the inability to account for previous history of depression among participants and the lack of comparison between symptoms in perimenopausal and post-menopausal women.
Overall, the findings underscore the importance of addressing the mental health needs of women during the perimenopausal stage and providing them with the necessary support and care to navigate this challenging period.
