Mind & Mood
Major depression more likely during perimenopause than during premenopause
Besides hot flashes and extra-heavy periods, what else might the menopausal transition have in store for you? Possibly major depression, according to findings from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a multi-ethnic study of women's health at midlife. Perimenopause begins several years before menopause (the end of menstruation) and ends a year after the last menstrual period. During this transition, ovarian hormones are in flux, resulting in irregular periods and sometimes vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats). Many women also report depressive symptoms, but it's unclear whether women are at increased risk for major depression at this time — and if so, whether hormones play a role. The SWAN findings suggest that perimenopause and early postmenopause are a high-risk time for major depression — and the risk is independent of hormone levels and hot flashes. Results were published online in Psychological Medicine (Feb. 9, 2011).
The study. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh tracked the development of major depression through menopause in 221 women (144 white and 77 black) who were premenopausal when the study began. At the start of the study and annually for the next 10 years, the women provided extensive health data and blood samples (for measuring levels of estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone). They were interviewed about past depression and evaluated regularly for major depressive symptoms. The researchers also collected information on vasomotor symptoms, negative life events, and menopausal status.
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