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Review, 2021

Do premenstrual mood symptoms change during perimenopause?

Yes, hormonal changes during early perimenopause may worsen premenstrual mood disorders in some women. Doctors should monitor women with PMDD as they approach midlife for worsening symptoms.

Early or limited evidence Reviews research on premenstrual mood disorders in perimenopause

What they did

A review of recent research on how reproductive aging affects premenstrual mood disorders like PMDD and how treatment may need to change as women approach midlife.

What they found

Early menopause transition brings hormonal changes that may worsen existing mood disorders. Some women experience depression from rising hormones, while others become more sensitive to hormone withdrawal in late perimenopause and early postmenopause.

What it means for you

Women with PMDD or premenstrual mood disorders may experience worse symptoms during perimenopause and need closer medical monitoring during this time. More research is needed to understand how these symptoms change as women age.

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual Mood Symptoms in the Perimenopause
Authors
Sander B, Gordon JL
Journal
Current psychiatry reports
Year
2021
Study design
Review
What was tested
None. This is a literature review discussing treatment adjustments.

Topics