Abstract

FLORES RAMOS, Mónica  and  ONTIVEROS URIBE, Martha. Gonadal Hormones and Perimenopausal Depression. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2008, vol.37, n.2, pp.236-249. ISSN 0034-7450.

Introduction: Perimenopause is the interval of irregular menstrual activity which directly precedes menopause, it is also called “menopausal transition”. It is characterized by biological and psychosocial changes. A spectrum of symptoms is present during perimenopause including vasomotor symptoms, loss of bone density, sexual dysfunction, a decline in cognitive function and psychiatric symptoms. The role of gonadal hormones in these symptoms is well documented in animal and human research. Objective: To review the literature focusing on perimenopause and gonadal hormones. Methods: Search of PubMed, Medscape, and Ovid databases using the key words perimenopause, menopause, depression and gonadal hormones. Results: The fi ndings support the relationship between perimenopause and depressive symptoms, also between perimenopause depression and postpartum/premenstrual period depressive symptoms, the infl uence of gonadal hormones in the brain and usefulness of hormonal therapy for perimenopausal depression. Conclusions: The relationship between hormonal changes and depressive symptoms is well documented, however the physiopathologic process that causes this phenomenon is unknown.

Keywords : Perimenopause; menopause; depression; gonadal hormones.

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