ArticleThe British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners2025
Mental health consultations during the perimenopausal age range: a qualitative study of GP and patient experiences.
Article in The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Proactive health management and psychological distress among perimenopausal women: A cross-sectional latent profile and mediation analysis.Scientific reports · 2026Article
- Navigating Uncharted Waters: A Meta-Ethnography Exploring General Practitioners and Women's Experience of Perimenopause Consultations in General Practice.International journal of women's health · 2026Review
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4 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundThere is an increased risk of mood changes in perimenopause, and evidence that patients and GPs may overlook this association. Evidence also shows that GPs have a lack of confidence in managing perimenopausal symptoms.
aimTo examine clinical consultations for patients in the perimenopausal age range who were presenting with mental health symptoms, and the experiences of GPs providing care to such patients. DESIGN &
settingA qualitative study was undertaken in one integrated care system in south-west England. It involved 18 women aged 45-55 years, who had consulted with their GP about a mental health symptom in the previous 6 months, and 11 GPs.
methodParticipants were recruited between February 2023 and August 2023. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns and key insights regarding consultation practices, patient-GP communication, and gaps in education and training.
resultsWomen either did not recognise perimenopause or were uncertain whether it contributed to their mental health symptoms, and felt inhibited or embarrassed about raising the issue. GPs reported using variable approaches to asking about perimenopausal symptoms and acknowledged that there were gaps in their training. Time constraints and the stigma surrounding menopause further hindered consultations.
conclusionAddressing mental health symptoms during perimenopause requires a proactive and informed approach in primary care. Improved GP training on menopause, coupled with patient education to increase awareness and confidence, could improve consultations and the management of mental health symptoms experienced during perimenopause.
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