Prevalence and nature of negative mood symptoms in perimenopause and menopause

Abstract

Context: Between one and two thirds of women report deterioration in mental health during the menopause transition. Perimenopause and the early postmenopausal period are associated with a 2- to 4-fold increased risk for clinical depression, and suicide rates peak in women aged 45 to 49 years. Antidepressants are effective, but side effects are common and may exacerbate other menopausal symptoms. The most effective treatment for mood symptoms due to hormone deficiency is hormone replacement therapy (HRT).