Use of antidepressants during perimenopause.

This article reviews the literature on the use of antidepressants for symptoms associated with perimenopause. In some perimenopausal women, mood instability, insomnia and vasomotor symptoms cause significant distress. Studies of antidepressants for perimenopausal symptoms are summarized, with a focus on perimenopausal depression and vasomotor symptoms. Antidepressants should be considered as an alternative to hormone therapy for perimenopausal depression and hot flashes, especially when hormone therapy is contraindicated, or as an augmentation strategy for women who are only partially responsive to hormone therapy.