Perimenopause and menopause

Risk of depression may increase during the transition to menopause, a stage called perimenopause, when hormone levels may fluctuate erratically. Depression risk may also rise during early menopause or after menopause — both times when estrogen levels are significantly reduced.

Most women who experience bothersome menopausal symptoms don't develop depression. But these factors may increase the risk:

• Interrupted or poor sleep
• Anxiety or a history of depression
• Stressful life events
• Weight gain or a higher body mass index (BMI)
• Menopause at a younger age
• Menopause caused by surgical removal of the ovaries