Perimenopausal Women and Depression
- Perimenopausal symptoms often coincide with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- A history of depression and/or current depression are associated with a decline in ovarian function in the years leading to menopause.
- Antidepressants are the first-line treatment for perimenopausal women with major depression.
- Hormone therapy reduces vasomotor symptoms and prevents the onset of depression in perimenopausal women exposed to life stressors.
- In women younger than age 60 or less than 10 years postmenopause, Hormone Therapy may be used to treat perimenopausal symptoms when risk for cardiovascular disease or breast cancer has been ruled out.
