New SPCR research from the University of Bristol highlights the need for improved GP training to help identify and support women experiencing mental health difficulties linked to perimenopause.
The study found that many women facing symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, or loss of confidence during perimenopause often struggle to get appropriate help because these issues are not always recognised as hormone-related. Researchers are calling for greater awareness and education within primary care to ensure that GPs can spot the signs early and offer timely support.
Lead author Jo Burgin emphasised that women’s experiences of perimenopause-related mental health changes can be complex and are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Enhancing GP training could help bridge this gap, leading to better mental health outcomes for women during midlife.
Read the full article on the University of Bristol website: GPs need training to spot perimenopause-related mental health issues.
Further Links:
- Jo Burgin received funding for from the NIHR School for Primary Care Research (reference: C096).
-
Jo Burgin was interviewed for BJGP Life about her new BJGP paper on perimenopause and
mental health: Episode 211: Bridging the gap: GPs, patients, and mental health in perimenopause - Paper: Mental health consultations during the perimenopausal age range: a qualitative study of GP and patient experiences by Jo Burgin, Yvette Pyne, Anna Davies and David Kessler. Published in British Journal of General Practice. October 2025.