What is perimenopause? Perimenopause usually occurs between ages 35-50. Around this age ovulation in women is more erratic and the menstrual cycle becomes irregular. This is caused by an imbalance in female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen affects serotonin in the brain and progesterone affects a brain chemical called GABA. Serotonin and GABA affect mood positively. A disruption in ovulation leads to a disruption in hormones, and this leads to a disruption in mood in the negative which leads to depression.
Statistics. Studies show that anywhere from 20%–40% of perimenopausal women will experience depression.
Perimenopausal depression. This kind of depression is caused by this imbalance in the brain chemicals mentioned above. What makes women even more susceptible to depression is life stress. Around this time women may be dealing with divorce, single parenting, college tuition, sick and aging parents, etc. All of this is happening simultaneously, and a woman’s hormones are affecting her ability to handle the stress. This combination can lead to depression.
Signs of depression. Signs include irritability, lack of interest in activities, fatigue, lack of motivation, excessive sleeping or insomnia, weight gain, and cravings.
How to obtain treatment: Antidepressants are not the answer. The best option is to measure hormones with saliva testing to diagnose the hormonal imbalance. Once the imbalance in hormones is diagnosed, the hormones should be balanced using bio-identical hormones.
Dr. Eldred Taylor, MD
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