Variation in symptoms of depression and anxiety in midlife women by menopausal status

Objectives: To examine the association between menopausal status and the risk of symptoms of depression and anxiety in a community-based sample of Australian midlife women. Study design: Female participants (mean age 50.6 +/- 1.5) who were premenopausal (n = 237), perimenopausal (n = 249) or naturally postmenopausal (n = 225) were drawn from the Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life Project, a longitudinal study. Main outcome measures: Symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured using the Goldberg Depression Scale and Goldberg Anxiety Scale. Generalised linear regression models with a negative binomial log link were used. Results: Relative to premenopause and after adjusting for all relevant covariates, being perimenopausal was associated with increased risk of greater symptoms of depression (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.29, p = 0.001), while being postmenopausal was associated with increased risk of greater symptoms of anxiety (IRR = 1.15, p = 0.041). Being perimenopausal or postmenopausal was associated with an increased risk of greater symptoms of depression (IRR = 1.35, p = 0.008; IRR = 1.31, p = 0.029) and anxiety (IRR = 1.22, p = 0.030; IRR = 1.32, p = 0.006) in women without a history of probable major depressive disorder or generalised anxiety disorder. Risk of symptoms did not differ with menopausal status in women with this history. Conclusions: Menopausal status is associated with the risk of symptoms of depression and anxiety. There is a greater likelihood of increased symptoms of depression during perimenopause and symptoms of anxiety during postmenopause. In women without a history of depression or anxiety, the perimenopause and postmenopausal stages are associated with increased risk of greater symptoms of anxiety and depression relative to pre menopause.