The theme for #WorldMenopauseMonth this year is cognition and mental health. The hormones estrogen and testosterone are important hormones for our brains to function properly and there are cells that respond to these hormones all over our brains. Low levels of these hormones occur during the perimenopause and menopause can really affect they way we think as well as often affecting memory and mood. Research suggests that more than half of all perimenopausal women report an increase in depressive symptoms. In this video, GP and menopause specialist @dr.rebecca.lewis discusses the use of HRT or antidepressants for low mood associated with the perimenopause and menopause. There is no evidence that antidepressants improve the low mood associated with the perimenopause and menopause so should not be given first line for this reason. Replacing the missing hormones with HRT has been shown to improve these symptoms and if HRT is started early then it can prevent depression occurring. Read more in our factsheet, antidepressants and menopause following the link in my bio. #menopausemonth #menopauseawarenessmonth #menopauseandhrt #menopauseandantidepressants #menopausetreatment #menopauseandmentalhealth #menopause #perimenopause