Perimenopause and Depression

                      

Women have an increased risk for depression as they transition to menopause. The time period before menopause is "perimenopause" and it represents the passage from reproductive to non-reproductive life. Research has indicated that depression is more likely to occur before menopause, known as "perimenopause" while women experience a fluctuation of hormones. Estrogen levels gradually declining may bring on depression. 

Click here to read more about depression. 

• Signs and Symptoms of Depression
• Treatment
• ADAA Resources
• Other Resources

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Signs and Symptoms of Depression 

• Two or more weeks of depressed mood
• Decreased interest or pleasure in activities
• Change in appetite
• Change in sleep patterns
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Extreme restlessness and irritability
• Thoughts of suicide

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Treatment

Depression is treatable at any stage of life. For perimenopausal mood swings, some experts recommend a low-dose oral contraceptive (OC) to help stablize hormone levels¹.

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ADAA Resources

Blogs

• Women and Depression
• Diverse Women in Clinical Trials: Making a Difference
• Be There for Women Veterans in Your Community 

Personal Stories of Triumph: Depression

• My Cure
• "Just Perfect"
• I’m a Comedian, and I’m Depressed
• Not Really a Rebel
• How Depression Changed His Life
• Abigail's Story

Webinars

• Using Behavioral Activation Treatment to Treat Perinatal Mood Disorders - ADAA professional webinar

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Other Resources

• Mental Health, Depression, and Menopause- Healthline.com
• Depression in Women: 5 Things You Should Know- NIMH
• Depression in Women - HelpGuide.org
• Depression in Women: Understanding the gender gap - Mayo Clinic
• Depression in Women - Mental Health America
• Depression - womenshealth.gov

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• Self-guided Course Helps Women manage menopause symptoms at work

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1. Depression & Menopause. (2018). Menopause. The North American Menopause Society.