Are Antidepressants the Right Treatment for Mood Changes in Perimenopause and Menopause?

Antidepressants are frequently prescribed to women experiencing low mood or anxiety during perimenopause and menopause, but in most cases they do not address the root cause. Hormonal shifts are often the primary driver of mood changes during this life stage, and replacing deficient hormones is typically more effective than antidepressant therapy.

If you are navigating mood changes, anxiety, or considering discontinuing an antidepressant during perimenopause or menopause, working with a qualified healthcare provider is essential. Brettany Makuch, NP(F), at Longevity Care Clinic offers virtual, evidence-based care for women across British Columbia.

Why Are Antidepressants Commonly Prescribed During Perimenopause and Menopause?

Antidepressants are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for low mood and anxiety in women—regardless of life stage. During perimenopause and menopause, however, mood symptoms are frequently caused by underlying hormonal changes rather than clinical depression. When antidepressants are prescribed without identifying the root cause, they may provide little to no benefit and can introduce unwanted side effects.

In most cases, addressing the hormonal deficiency rather than masking the symptoms is what leads to meaningful, lasting improvement.

What Are the Risks of Stopping Antidepressants Without Support?

Discontinuing an antidepressant without guidance from a healthcare provider can cause significant adverse effects. Many people mistake antidepressant withdrawal symptoms for a return of depression, which can make it feel as though the medication is necessary for life when in reality, it may only have been required for a defined period of time.

Withdrawal symptoms can closely mimic depression itself, leading to unnecessary long-term use. Working with a knowledgeable healthcare provider helps ensure that discontinuation is safe, properly managed, and paired with treatment that targets the true underlying cause.

How Longevity Care Clinic Can Help

Brettany Makuch, NP(F), is the founder of Longevity Care Clinic—the first Nurse Practitioner-owned and operated women's health clinic in British Columbia. The clinic offers virtual, personalized care for women in early adulthood to mid-life care and beyond.

Support is available for women who:

• Have been prescribed antidepressants during perimenopause or menopause and are not experiencing adequate relief

• Are experiencing side effects and want to safely discontinue antidepressant therapy

• Want to address the root cause of their mood changes

All appointments are conducted virtually and are available to residents throughout British Columbia. Care plans are individualized and may include hormone therapy, nutraceuticals, lifestyle counselling, and other evidence-based treatments.

To book an appointment, visit: https://www.longevitycareclinic.ca/

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) replace antidepressants during menopause?

A: For many women, addressing the underlying hormonal deficiency by using BHRT resolves mood symptoms more effectively than antidepressants. Whether hormone therapy is appropriate depends on individual health history and should be assessed by a qualified healthcare provider.

Q: What does antidepressant withdrawal feel like, and how is it different from depression returning?

A: Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms—such as low mood, irritability, and fatigue—can closely resemble the symptoms of depression, making it difficult to tell the two apart. A healthcare provider experienced in antidepressant discontinuation can help distinguish between withdrawal and a genuine return of depression, and guide the process safely.

Q: Is virtual care available for perimenopause and menopause care in BC?

A: Yes. Longevity Care Clinic provides fully virtual women's health consultations, accessible to residents anywhere in British Columbia. Prescriptions can be delivered to your door or sent to a pharmacy of your choice.

If you are interested in learning more, please email us at hello@longevitycareclinic.ca