To determine if serum levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone, estradiol, progesterone, Free Testosterone and Total Testosterone differ between perimenopausal women with first depressive episode, recurrent depression and without depression.

Demographic and clinical characteristics were evaluated in 63 perimenopausal women with first depressive episode (N = 20), recurrent depression (N = 23) or non-depressed (N = 20). Hormonal measurements were evaluated at follicular and luteal menstrual phases and mid-cycle, around one menstrual cycle.

When compared depressed and non-depressed women we observed lower levels of luteal progesterone, higher levels of total testosterone and an increasing level of FSH in depressed patients. Differences between the three groups were observed in luteal progesterone levels, luteal FT, and luteal TT. Independently of current diagnosis, women with and without pmdd antecedent, differed in progesterone and testosterone levels. We did not find association of perimenopausal depression and history of post partum depression.

Hormonal profiles differed between groups. Patients with antecedent of pmdd had a similar progesterone and testosterone profile to perimenopausal depressed women.