The menopause transition or ‘perimenopause’ is the 5+ years leading up to the last menstrual cycle. Perimenopause typically begins around 44-48 years of age. During this time, menstrual cycles become irregular.  

 

Women are 3X more likely to develop depression during perimenopause and have a 2-4X increased risk of clinically significant depressive symptoms during menopause.

 

Perimenopausal women are also 9X more likely to experience suicidal ideation than pre- or post-menopausal women or men of the same age.

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Women may be more vulnerable to depression because of sensitivity to the extreme estrogen fluctuations that occur during the menopause transition.

 

Understanding this is the focus of Dr. Gordon's research, which we hope will provide better information for women and their healthcare providers, and help develop effective treatments.