A woman’s risk of depression rises as she moves towards her menopause transition and the research points to a significant hormonal trigger for this change. Women can start to experience changes to their hormone production in their early to mid 40s, even if they continue to cycle regularly. In this episode I review what’s happening hormonally to women in their 40s and how this is a trigger for new, or returning depression. I review the difference between using antidepressants and hormones to support mood in women before menopause, and the risk factors that nearly double the risk of depression at this stage in a woman’s life.
Treating women in perimenopause requires a unique approach that listens closely to a woman’s experience – lab testing isn’t always accurate at helping diagnose perimenopause at all. I’ve written a resource called the 5 mistakes women make in menopause to help you feel more confident as you move towards this time in your life, and how to better get a handle on your health in your 40s and 50s. You can download your copy here.