Does menopause elevate the risk for developing depression and anxiety? Results from a systematic review
Salama Alblooshi1, Mark Taylor2, Neeraj Gill3
1School of Medicine and Dentistry, 97562Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
Summary
Menopause increases the risk of depression and anxiety, particularly for women experiencing vasomotor symptoms or with a history of depression. Estrogen fluctuations and life events contribute to this increased vulnerability.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Women's Health
Background:
- Menopause is associated with vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and insomnia.
- Psychological consequences of menopause, including depression and anxiety, require systematic review.
- Social changes during menopause can confound correlations with mental health conditions.
Approach:
- Systematic review using PRISMA methodology.
- Inclusion of all published original English-language studies on menopause, depression, and anxiety.
- Quality assessment of included studies using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria.
Key Points:
- Twenty-two studies (8 cross-sectional, 1 retrospective cohort, 13 prospective cohort) were analyzed.
- Depression and anxiety are prevalent during menopause and post-menopause.
- Vasomotor symptoms and a history of major depression elevate the risk of menopausal-associated depression.
- Psychosocial factors may also increase depression risk during menopause.
Conclusions:
- Menopause elevates vulnerability to depression and anxiety.
- Estrogen fluctuations impacting neurotransmitters (serotonin, GABA) may play a role.
- Neuroticism and adverse life events are additional risk factors for menopausal depression.
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