Some of the findings of the panel include:
Perimenopause is a window of vulnerability for the development of both depressive symptoms and a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
The risk for depressive symptoms is elevated during perimenopause even in women with no prior history of depression.
Several common symptoms of perimenopause (hot flashes, night sweats, sleep and sexual disturbances, weight/energy changes, cognitive changes) complicate, co-occur and overlap with the presentation of depression during this stage.
Life stressors including caring for children and parents, career and relationship shifts, aging and body changes and family illness can adversely affect mood.
Proven therapeutic options for depression (antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy and other psychotherapies) should remain as front-line antidepressive treatments for major depressive episodes during perimenopause.
Clinicians should consider treating co-occurring sleep disturbance and night sweats as part of treatment for menopause-related depression.
Estrogen therapy is ineffective as a treatment for depressive disorders in postmenopausal women.
Hormonal contraceptives may improve depressive symptoms in women approaching menopause.
Evidence is insufficient for the recommendation of botanical or alternative approaches for treating depression related to perimenopause