Understanding and Treating Perimenopausal Depression: Hormonal Mood Changes in Midlife

Menopause is a natural and unavoidable part of a woman's life, but the emotional and psychological changes, particularly during the perimenopause, can be significant and challenging. If you are experiencing concerning mood changes during this time, it’s important to understand that you are not alone, and effective strategies exist to help manage these symptoms.

Perimenopausal Depression: Beyond Mood Swings

The perimenopause typically occurs between the ages of 42 and 52 and is the period immediately preceding menopause, marked by various biological, endocrine, and clinical changes. This transition can significantly increase the risk of depression in women over 40.

For example, Australian data show the highest age-specific suicide rates for females in the 45–49 and 50–54 age groups, which may be linked to the biological changes occurring during this time. Perimenopausal depression is now recognised as a distinct subtype of depression, which may present differently from typical depression experienced by younger women or men.

What are the Symptoms of Perimenopausal Depression?

While some symptoms overlap with general depression (such as low energy and sleep disturbances), perimenopausal depression often has specific characteristics:

• Rapid and Sudden Onset: Symptoms may appear quickly and are not necessarily tied to new life stressors.

• Increased Irritability and Anger: Unlike typical depression, which may manifest as sadness, perimenopausal depression can show up as a quick temper or increased hostility.

• Pronounced Loss of Energy/Fatigue: This fatigue can be constant and not dependent on sleep quality.

• Decreased Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: Many women experience a significant drop in self-esteem.

• Impaired Memory and Concentration: Women often describe a sudden change in memory, sometimes leading to fears of dementia.

• Weight Gain: Many notice a weight gain of 2-3 kg, even with a sensible diet and exercise, which can further contribute to low self-esteem.

• Fluctuating Sexual Interest: Changes in libido can be abrupt and noticeable.

• Paranoid Thinking: Often not delusional, it can manifest as thoughts like "everyone at work thinks I’m pathetic."

• Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia is common, affecting 40-50% of perimenopausal women.

• Anxiety: Many women experience constant worrying, muscle tension, sweating, or nausea. Anxiety symptoms are often closely linked to vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes.

Diagnosing perimenopausal depression early can be difficult because the physical symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, often emerge up to five years after the psychological symptoms. The risk of depression appears to be elevated during perimenopause due to fluctuating hormone levels, as opposed to postmenopause, when hormone levels are low but stable.

Understanding the "Why": Neuroendocrine Mechanisms

Recent research aims to shed light on the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying perimenopausal depression. This includes exploring:

• Epigenetic Changes: Alterations in gene expression can influence how a woman's body and brain respond, potentially linking maternal depression to offspring brain development.

• Monoamine Neurotransmitters and Receptor Hypothesis: While traditional antidepressants targeting monoamines (dopamine, serotonin (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE)) are often ineffective for about one-third of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) patients, these neurotransmitters are still relevant in hormonal depression. For example, a decrease in dopamine D3 receptors, especially when combined with stress, can contribute to depressive behaviour during perimenopause. Studies suggest that certain treatments can elevate levels of dopamine, 5-HT, and NE in both the hippocampus and serum. Additionally, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists have proven effective in addressing co-occurring depression and anxiety.

• Glial Cell-Induced Neuroinflammation: Chronic stress can release inflammatory factors from microglia and impair the glymphatic system's function, potentially resulting in depression. Abnormal or decreased astrocytes and dysfunctional glymphatic systems have been observed in emotional disorders.

• Estrogen Receptors: Estrogen's influence on brain function is intricate, mediated by estrogen receptors (ERα, ERβ, and GPER) found in various brain regions. These receptors affect different types of glial cells. Estrogen impacts neuroplasticity through both genomic and non-genomic signalling pathways, and hormonal changes related to estrogen can lead to behavioural abnormalities.

• Interaction between the HPA Axis and the HPG Axis: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis play crucial roles in stress response and reproductive function, and their interaction is significant in understanding perimenopausal depression.

A Holistic Approach to Management

A holistic and integrated approach is often necessary for managing perimenopausal depression. It is essential to inform your healthcare team of your condition. Treatment interventions should be clearly communicated to each woman and initiated only at her request, with a reassessment occurring every three to five years to adapt to changing needs.

1. Hormonal Therapies

Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) / Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): For women who are experiencing recent-onset depression without suicidality and are otherwise healthy, hormone therapy alone may be suitable, especially if they are also dealing with other perimenopausal symptoms. Research has shown that MHT can significantly improve depressive symptoms and even lead to remission of depressive disorders in perimenopausal women—particularly those with co-occurring vasomotor symptoms. MHT is part of a broader health strategy for women in midlife and should be personalised regarding dosage and type. Balancing estrogen levels with HRT can enhance both physical and mental health outcomes and may allow for lower doses of other medications.

Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) / Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): 

For perimenopausal women experiencing recent-onset depression without suicidality, particularly those with co-occurring vasomotor symptoms, hormone therapy alone may be an appropriate treatment. Studies have shown that MHT can significantly improve depressive symptoms and may even lead to remission of depressive disorders in these women.

It is part of an overall health strategy for midlife women and should be personalised in terms of dose and type. Balancing estrogen levels with HRT can lead to better physical and mental health outcomes and may allow for lower doses of other medications.

2. Psychological Therapies

Psychological approaches play a vital role in managing perimenopausal depression. According to NICE (UK) guidance, antidepressants should not be the first-line treatment for clinical depression, making therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) essential. CBT should not be viewed as an alternative to HRT; rather, it can further enhance the psychological symptom improvements achieved with appropriate HRT.

3. Lifestyle and General Well-being Approaches

Lifestyle measures are fundamental for supporting mental health during perimenopause.

• Prioritise Self-Care: Engage in activities that bring you joy, making time for leisure, laughter, and social connections. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it is essential for reducing stress and maintaining well-being. Cultivating self-compassion and curiosity about your emotions can be beneficial.

• Regular Exercise: Physical activity is a powerful way to enhance your mood; remember that "emotion follows motion." Exercise can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, positively influence your sense of well-being, and may improve hot flashes, although evidence on this is mixed.

• Balanced Diet: Aim for a colourful plate with deep greens, bright reds, yellows, and oranges, as these foods are nutrient-dense. Eating small amounts every two to three hours and combining protein with carbohydrates can help maintain steady blood sugar levels. Ensure you get adequate calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It’s also crucial to minimise alcohol use for better mental and physical health, and quitting smoking is vital for overall well-being. Flavonoids found in plant foods provide various health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

• Sleep Hygiene: Be mindful of screen time before bed, as excessive use can interfere with melatonin production and affect sleep quality. While good sleep hygiene is important, it may not always be enough to address insomnia problems related to hormonal changes.

• Stress Management and Social Support: Maintaining social connections and promoting family support can significantly aid mental health. For instance, caregivers benefit from interventions aimed at reducing emotional distress.

•  Cultivate Self-Compassion: Developing an attitude of self-compassion, kindness, and curiosity can help you better understand and respond to difficult emotions rather than simply wishing for them to vanish. While menopause is an inevitable life transition, suffering is not. Techniques like CBT can help change your relationship with challenging sensations and transform the narrative surrounding your difficulties.

Overall, recent research emphasises the unique nature of perimenopausal depression and highlights the need for comprehensive, individualised treatment plans that combine hormonal, psychological, and lifestyle interventions, supported by accurate assessment tools.

Expert holistic care with Dr. Sangeetha Makielan

Dr. Sangeetha Makielan offers expert, compassionate, and holistic care specialising in women's mental health throughout the lifespan. Her practice focuses on perimenopausal depression, hormonal mood changes, and midlife well-being.

She works collaboratively to ensure you receive integrated support tailored to your unique needs. Her commitments include:

• Validating and acknowledging your experiences, particularly the frequently misunderstood expressions of anger and irritability.

• Offering a holistic approach that goes beyond symptom management to address the underlying biopsychosocial factors influencing your health.

• Employing evidence-based practices and remaining current with the latest research in women's mental health during menopause.

• Supporting both you and your family in comprehending this significant life transition and its effects.

  
  

 You don't have to suffer in silence. Menopause is unavoidable, but suffering is not. 

To learn more or book a consultation, visit www.drsangeethamakielan.com.au