The mental health challenges women face during the perimenopause stage are often overlooked – but how serious are they, and why must we destigmatise menopause?
Researchers at University College London decided to highlight this mental health struggle many women face during perimenopause.
The research reveals that women going through perimenopause are 40% more likely to experience depression compared to those not experiencing any menopausal symptoms.
Facing perimenopause and the challenges that follow
Perimenopause typically occurs three to five years before menopause sets in, characterised by fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone.
This change in hormone levels can lead to mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles and increased feelings of depression. By analysing data from over 9,000 women worldwide, the study found that perimenopause women faced a significantly higher risk of depressive symptoms and diagnosis compared to premenopausal women.
The link between perimenopause and depression
Senior author Dr. Roopal Desai from UCL Psychology & Language Sciences highlights the importance of acknowledging the vulnerability of women in this life stage. “Our findings emphasise the importance of acknowledging that women in this life stage are more vulnerable to experiencing depression, ” she states.
Corresponding author Professor Aimee Spector adds, “Women spend years of their lives dealing with menopausal symptoms that can have a huge impact on their well-being and quality of life.”
Greater awareness and support are needed to make sure perimenopausal women receive support medically and in their daily lives.
Post-menopause compared to premenopausal: Destigmatising discussions
The study found no significant increase in depression risk for post-menopausal women compared to premenopausal women, suggesting a unique vulnerability during the perimenopausal transition.
A previous publication by the same team highlighted the effectiveness of therapies such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy in helping non-physical symptoms of menopause.
Lead author and UCL Masters student Yasmeen Badawy highlights the global significance of the findings, noting that cultural factors or lifestyle changes alone cannot explain the depressive symptoms experienced by women during perimenopause.
As menopause remains a significant but often misunderstood stage in a woman’s life, initiatives aimed at destigmatising discussions around mental health during this transition are important.
