Menopause and Depression -What is the Link?

There are some women who go through menopause and nobody around them seems to notice any changes. There are others, however, who experience symptoms that range from mild to disabling in their intensity. For some, depression is a symptom that can become a problem that interferes with the daily activities of life. Research has found that there is a link between menopause and depression. By learning about what depression is, why you are experiencing this as a symptom, and what you can do about it, you can find the relief that you need to get back on track and start feeling better.
What is depression?
Most of us feel sad or depressed at some times in our lives, particularly when a life changing event occurs. When these feelings continue for a period of over two weeks it could mean that you have clinical depression that needs treatment. If you experience intense feelings of worthlessness, being hopeless, helpless and it interferes with your normal functioning there is reason to take action.
The link between menopause and depression
Simply being a woman makes you two times as likely to become depressed over men. During menopause the odds increase because of hormonal fluctuations and imbalances. The lack of estrogen is believed to increase this risk as it interferes with normal brain chemistry and function. Sex hormones interact with all of the other compounds that make up the body chemistry and when glandular production of the hormones that regulate cognitive functions are disrupted, depression is more likely to occur.
Menopause, a time of change
In addition to the physiological changes that are happening, some women experience emotional distress from the stages of menopause. There may be a period of grieving over the loss of the ability to conceive and bear children and some women feel that they are less feminine or attractive to their partners because of these changes.
Hot flushes can lead to depression too
There is a correlation between hot flushes and depression in women during menopause. Research has found that well over half of all women reporting hot flushes also experience depression. This is most likely to occur early in the menopausal transition and it is closely linked with the hormonal changes that are taking place in the body.
Some of the key symptoms of depression
The most common symptoms of depression are fatigue and loss of energy on a daily basis. Feeling guilty or worthless, having impaired concentration, being unable to make decisions easily, having insomnia or excessive sleepiness during the day are also symptoms of depression. Many people experience a loss of interest in things they once enjoyed and find it difficult to take pleasure in anything. Changes in appetite, aches and pains, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, sadness, feeling empty, digestive problems and thoughts of suicide are all symptoms of depression. If you have any 5 of these symptoms on a consistent basis you are most likely depressed.
Coping with the symptoms of depression
Here are some useful tips and depression supplements which may help you to cope with the symptoms of depression during menopause.
Talk to someone
Talking with your significant other, close relative or trusted friend can help you to release some of the emotions that may be pent up inside of you. Many women find that in talking with loved ones they receive the support and reassurance that they are needing at the time and it helps to improve their outlook on the situation. Plus there is freedom in releasing the feelings you are having and in some cases, talking helps.
See your health care provider
Your health care provider is more aware of your individual health history and can help to rule out any medical or pharmaceutical implications that may be causing your depression. They can also make recommendations for treatments that can be helpful in reducing or eliminate you symptoms of depression, including referral to a qualified mental health counselor.
Use natural menopause supplements
When depression is the direct result of the physical changes of menopause, using a natural form of hormone replacement remedy can help to lessen or even eliminate most of the symptoms of depression. These supplements contain compounds called phytoestrogens, which act like estrogen in the body and help to restore hormonal balance to the body. Many have found that this is the only treatment for menopausal depression that is required.
Conclusion
There are strong linkages between depression and menopause. The changes that are taking place in the body during this stage of life are both physical and psychological in nature. Although not all women have difficulty during this stage, some can develop extreme symptoms that require attention and treatment. Talking with loved ones, seeking help from a health care professional and taking natural menopause supplements that help to restore hormonal balance are all ways that can help you to start feeling better and reduce the symptoms of depression during menopause.