There is little doubt that the menopausal transition can be very difficult for some women, and the topic remains of wide interest. It is an area of ongoing research to better understand the biological changes and downstream effects that can occur.  Changes to mental health are often observed, with depression being one of the commonest symptoms experienced during menopause. However, it remains unclear what the underlying causes of this depression are.

In a new commentary in BMC Medicine this week, Claudio Soares discusses the evidence that some women are at an increased risk for depression during menopause as they transition through a “window of vulnerability”. Soares also discusses what is known about the associated risk factors for depression in menopause and the challenges that face clinicians and health professionals who care for these women.