Depressive symptoms in midlife: The role of reproductive stage

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of depression among community-dwelling women in the premenopause, menopausal transition (MT), and postmenopause stage. We also sought to clarify the direct and indirect contribution of menopausal status on the risk of depression. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 1,612 women aged 45 to 55 years living in the Perth metropolitan region, who were recruited using a random sample of the electoral roll (voting is compulsory in Australia), was conducted. Women with clinically significant symptoms of depression had Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores of at least 10, and those with major depression, reported symptoms consistent ..