Menopause has been viewed as a period of risk for depression. However, depressive disorders do not seem to cluster around this period of the reproductive cycle.  Symptoms of menopausal depression often occur in conjunction with vasomotor instability as a result of declining ovarian function.

Depression during both non-menopausal and menopausal phases is diagnosed and treated in a similar manner. Estrogen replacement alone can provide relief of vasomotor symptoms, and minor cognitive and mood symptoms. This therapy is also useful in preventing osteoporosis. However, hormone replacement therapy has limited benefit in the treatment of major depression unless patients receive concomitant antidepressant drug therapy and/or psychotherapy.

(Kornstein SG. Gender differences in depression: implications for treatment. J Clin Psychiatry 1997; 58(suppl 15):12-8).