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Depression: study confirms increased risk with menopause

According to research by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), women on their way to menopause are more likely to experience depression than others.

In a recent study, researchers emphasize the importance of not underestimating the risk of developing depression and uncover the factors that may favor its occurrence.

Hot flashes, night sweats, tiredness, menopause manifests as many symptoms. According to a study of nearly 500 postmenopausal women aged 35 to 78, those who are entering their pre-menopausal period suffer from a significant risk of depression. In fact, 41% of the participants experienced depressive symptoms coinciding with their entry into menopause. Women evoke depressive disorders: memory, concentration or anxiety disorders. This study was conducted by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) and the findings were published in the journal Menopause.

According to this study, the depression that appears during menopause can affect up to 70% of women. As part of this study, the researchers asked each participant questions about the level of anxiety, fear of death, etc. They then compared the frequency of depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women to the various factors that could increase their level of anxiety. “These results are consistent with existing literature and highlight the high prevalence of depressive symptoms in older women, especially those with a history of depression or anxiety, chronic health conditions and psychosocial factors such as major stressful events in life. Women and the clinicians who care for them should be aware that the transition from menopause is a period of vulnerability in terms of mood, ”explains Dr. Stéphanie Faubion, medical director of the North American Menopause Society.

Risk factors to take into account

The depression of postmenopausal women is far from being marginal since, in this study, 41% of the participants were confirmed as suffering from a form of depression. Through this research, scientists have identified the risk factors that most increase the risk of suffering from depression at this time of life: separation, death of a spouse, alcohol dependence, illness, etc. . This transition phase in a woman’s life is far from trivial, so she must be surrounded by a competent medical team.

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