Perimenopausal women ‘40% more likely to suffer depression’

Perimenopausal women have a 40 per cent higher risk of suffering depression than those experiencing no menopausal symptoms, research suggests.

Experts from University College London (UCL) found women could be vulnerable to depression and anxiety in the run-up to their periods stopping, with the development of new cases or existing symptoms getting worse.

Women typically go through the aged 49 to 52, which has been highlighted previously as the point at which women experience the highest rates of depression.