Depressive and Cognitive Disorders in Climacteric Women

Abstract

Perimenopause is a period of hormone fluctuations accompanied by physical and affective symptoms of women. Among the most frequent symptoms are hot flashes, depression, and cognitive deficits. The etiology of these symptoms is complex, but research suggests involvement of altered neurotransmitter systems, increased sensitivity to gonadal hormone fluctuations and psychosocial stress triggers. This chapter will provide an updated review on diagnosis, prevalence, morbidity, risk factors, and evidence-based treatments that have been effective in treating the symptoms of perimenopause.