The analysis was based on data from seven studies involving over 9,000 women worldwide.

Perimenopause, which typically begins three to five years before menopause, is a time when women may be more vulnerable to developing new cases of depression or experiencing worsening symptoms.

The researchers emphasized the importance of providing support and screening to address women's mental health needs during this stage of life.

The text discusses the link between menopause and depression, with women typically experiencing the highest rates of depression around the age of 49 to 52.

Perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause, brings common mental health symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, mood swings, low self-esteem, and memory and concentration issues.

Physical symptoms include hot flashes, sleep problems, heart palpitations, muscle aches, joint pains, and weight gain.

A new study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, analyzed data from seven studies involving over 9,000 women worldwide to further explore this connection.

The study found that perimenopausal women have a 40% higher risk of depressive symptoms and diagnoses compared to premenopausal women.

However, postmenopausal women did not show a significantly increased risk for depressive symptoms.

The researchers propose that the drop in estrogen during menopause may be the cause of new or worsened depressive symptoms.