menopausal depression

It is well established that women are at increased risk for developing depression compared to men.  It has been hypothesized that this vulnerability to depression may be hormonally mediated, and several longitudinal studies have documented an increased risk of depressive symptoms during perimenopause or the menopausal transition.  Based on the results of two prospective cohort studies, approximately one-third of women will develop their first episode of depression during the menopausal transition.  (Cohen LS et al 2006, Freeman EW et al 2006).