Perimenopausal Depression

Perimenopausal Depression (also known as Major Depressive Disorder with peripartum onset in the DSM-5) is a subtype of depression experienced by women during the perimenopausal period, defined as the interval when a women’s menstrual cycles become irregular, usually between ages of 45 and 49.

• The transition to menopause (or perimenopause, the beginning of ovarian failure) begins when menstrual cycles become 7 days longer or shorter than usual and extends to the early postmenopausal years.^[1]
• Menopause is defined as 12 months of amenorrhea following the final menstrual cycle, which usually occurs at an average age of 51 years.^[2]

• The perimenopause period is a time of increased risk for depression compared to the premenopausal years
• This period is also associated with perimenopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and memory complaints.^[3]
  • Hot flashes and night sweats in particular are independent predictors of perimenopausal depression.

• In women with no lifetime history of depression, those who enter the menopausal transition earlier have a significant risk for first onset of depression. ^[4]

• Since estrogen and serotonin may modulate hypothalamic thermoregulatory function, abrupt changes in neuromodulatory function and reproductive-hormone levels during menopause are thought to contribute to mood and vasomotor symptoms seen in menopause.

• There is scant evidence to suggest that hormone replacement therapy should be used to prevent the onset of depressive symptoms during the menopause transition.^[5]
  • Additionally, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently found “no net benefit” of hormone therapy for primary prevention of most chronic disorders related to menopause, but they did find “convincing evidence” of risks like breast cancer, thromboembolism, and cardiovascular disease.^[6]
• However, there is evidence that transdermal estrogen therapy has antidepressant effects in diagnosed perimenopausal depression, especially in those with vasomotor symptoms.^[7][8]
  • The risks and benefits of using hormonal therapy should be discussed with the patient prior to use.