Perimenopausal women have 40pc higher risk of depression, new study finds

The research is an analysis of seven previous international studies involving more than 9,000 women and was undertaken by academics from the University College London.

As a result, the founder of Ireland’s first menopause-dedicated clinics has called for free midlife health checks for women.

Women usually go through perimenopause three to five years before the onset of menopause.

During that time, they might experience symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, low self-esteem, hot flushes, heart palpitations and weight gain.

The research has revealed that women during perimenopause were “at a significantly higher risk for depressive symptoms and diagnoses”.

This risk is set to be 40pc higher than premenopausal women.

It is due to the fall-off in oestrogen that women experience during menopause that might trigger new symptoms or worsen pre-existing depressive symptoms, experts suggest.

Founder and the chair of the Menopause Hub, Loretta Dignam, said: “This study confirms what we have known from our own research and through our qualified staff at our clinics.”

"Many women won't go to a doctor for a routine check-up if they are not showing any symptoms of menopause and many women don't realise that depression can be a serious symptom,” she added.

The Menopause Hub is Ireland’s first dedicated clinic for treating menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms.

It has five clinics located in Mount Merrion, South Dublin, Santry, North Dublin and Ballincollig in Co Cork.

All clinics of the Menopause Hub have treated more than 10,000 women since their opening five years ago.

Ms Dignam is now calling on the Government to introduce free midlife health checks for all perimenopausal women, aiming to diagnose any issues at an early stage.

She said that women tend to put feelings of sadness or anger down to daily stresses.

"When menopausal women were asked by the Menopause Hub what is the best thing that could be provided for them by the Government, 86pc of our 3,000 respondents said they would like a free midlife health check,” Ms Dignam added.

These health checks could also detect many other perimenopausal symptoms, such as joint pain and concentration lapses through blood tests, and provide an opportunity for women to discuss their feelings with their GP.