[Exploring the links between perimenopause, menopause, and depression]
1Service de psychiatrie de liaison et d'intervention de crise, Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève, 1211 Genève 14.
Revue Medicale Suisse
|February 12, 2026
Summary
Women
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Sex hormones significantly impact women's mental health.
- Perimenopause and menopause increase vulnerability to depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical aspects of perimenopausal and menopausal depression.
- To explore underlying neurobiological mechanisms.
- To provide management recommendations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current knowledge.
- Analysis of clinical specificities.
- Examination of neurobiological factors.
Main Results:
- Perimenopausal and menopausal depression present unique clinical features.
- Hormonal fluctuations are linked to neurobiological changes affecting mood.
- Evidence-based management strategies are available.
Conclusions:
- Understanding hormonal influences is crucial for women's mental health.
- Integrating current knowledge improves care for menopausal depression.
- Targeted interventions can enhance treatment outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Menopause
5.0K
Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
5.0K
Long-term Depression
33.4K
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
33.4K
Long-term Depression
3.4K
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
3.4K
Freezing Point Depression and Boiling Point Elevation
40.5K
Boiling Point Elevation
The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which its vapor pressure is equal to ambient atmospheric pressure. Since the vapor pressure of a solution is lowered due to the presence of nonvolatile solutes, it stands to reason that the solution’s boiling point will subsequently be increased. Vapor pressure increases with temperature, and so a solution will require a higher temperature than will pure solvent to achieve any given vapor pressure, including one...
The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which its vapor pressure is equal to ambient atmospheric pressure. Since the vapor pressure of a solution is lowered due to the presence of nonvolatile solutes, it stands to reason that the solution’s boiling point will subsequently be increased. Vapor pressure increases with temperature, and so a solution will require a higher temperature than will pure solvent to achieve any given vapor pressure, including one...
40.5K
Depressants
474
Depressant drugs, including alcohol and sedative-hypnotics, diminish central nervous system activity by enhancing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity and promotes relaxation. These substances can have various therapeutic uses but also pose significant risks, especially when misused or combined.
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
474
Covalently Linked Protein Regulators
9.7K
Proteins can undergo many types of post-translational modifications, often in response to changes in their environment. These modifications play an important role in the function and stability of these proteins. Covalently linked molecules include functional groups, such as methyl, acetyl, and phosphate groups, and also small proteins, such as ubiquitin. There are around 200 different types of covalent regulators that have been identified.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein....
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein....
9.7K


