Neuroendocrine pathogenesis of perimenopausal depression

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Women's Health
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Increasing work pressure and socioeconomic development contribute to rising rates of perimenopausal depression (PMD).
• Current understanding of PMD pathophysiology is limited, hindering accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
• PMD significantly impacts women's physical and mental well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elaborate on the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying perimenopausal depression (PMD).
• To explore novel therapeutic strategies for PMD by advancing knowledge of its pathophysiology.
• To provide a comprehensive review of recent literature on PMD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on perimenopausal depression.
• Analysis of neuroendocrine pathways including epigenetic changes, neurotransmitter systems, and neuroinflammation.
• Examination of hormonal influences, specifically estrogen receptors and the HPA/HPG axis.
• Investigation of the micro-organism-brain gut axis in relation to PMD.

Main Results:

• Identified key neuroendocrine factors implicated in PMD.
• Highlighted the roles of epigenetic modifications, monoamine neurotransmitter imbalances, and neuroinflammation.
• Emphasized the significance of estrogen receptor function and the interplay between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes.
• Underscored the emerging role of the micro-organism-brain gut axis.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the complex neuroendocrine mechanisms of PMD is crucial for developing targeted treatments.
• Further research into these pathways may unlock innovative therapeutic approaches for perimenopausal depression.
• This review provides a foundation for future studies aimed at improving women's mental health during perimenopause.