Mood swings, brain fog, and burnout? It might not just be stress—it could be perimenopause. In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH explores the connection between hormonal changes and depression during the menopausal transition. Backed by clinical evidence and national research studies, she breaks down why this critical phase is so often misunderstood, how to recognize real warning signs, and what steps you can take to protect your mental health. Because yes—healthcare is self-care, and knowledge is power.
References:
1. Kessler RC, McGonagle KA, Zhao S et al. Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of DSM-III-R psychiatric disorders in the United States. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1994;51:8–19. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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3. Bromberger JT, Epperson CN. Depression During and After the Perimenopause: Impact of Hormones, Genetics, and Environmental Determinants of Disease. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2018 Dec;45(4):663-678. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2018.07.007. Epub 2018 Oct 25. PMID: 30401549; PMCID: PMC6226029. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6226029/#R4)
4. Behrman S, Crockett C. Severe mental illness and the perimenopause. BJPsych Bull. 2023 Nov 13;48(6):1-7. doi: 10.1192/bjb.2023.89. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37955045; PMCID: PMC11669460. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11669460/#:~:text=Fluctuations%20of%20hormone%20levels%20and,episodes%20of%20mental%20illness%2C%20including
5. https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/perimenopause-rocky-road-to-menopause
6. https://www.swanstudy.org/womens-health-info/depression-menopause/
7. https://www.swanstudy.org/wps/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SWAN-Fact-Sheets-Depression.pdf
8. Santoro N, Epperson CN, Mathews SB. Menopausal Symptoms and Their Management. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2015 Sep;44(3):497-515. doi: 10.1016/j.e
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