02/16/2026
Perimenopause can affect the relationship with yourself and others.
A major meta-analysis found women in perimenopause had about a 40% higher risk of depressive symptoms/diagnosis compared with premenopausal women-this is a medical vulnerability window, not a character flaw. 
This matters because CDC mortality data shows the highest su***de rate for women is ages 45–64. 
And in U.S. relationship research, women initiated about 69% of divorces, suggesting many women are the ones who finally say “this isn’t working.” 
If you’re in this season: you deserve screening, support, and a plan-sleep, mental health care, and medical evaluation. If you’re in danger or feel like you may hurt yourself, call/text 988 (U.S.) now.
https://www.asanet.org/women-more-likely-men-initiate-divorces-not-non-marital-breakups/
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db541.htm