Understanding the Effects of Menopause and Depression
Although many women rarely associate the words menopause and depression together, the truth is that depression is a very common symptom among women who are soon to begin menopause. This symptom can be altogether debilitating. The idea of having to admit that one has reached a point in life where their body is physically placing limits on their capabilities can be depressing in itself. However, true depression can be a danger not only for the woman but also to her quality of life and her relationships with friends and family members.
During perimenopause, or the period just before true menopause occurs, there are many changes in the hormonal balance in a woman's body. These produce some pretty hefty symptoms, such as hot flashes, headaches, insomnia, memory issues, alterations in mood, dry skin, as well as erratic and unpredictable menstrual cycles. All of these symptoms are enough to try even the most patient of women, yet when you throw depression into the mix, things can really get scary.
Menopause and depression as two separate conditions can be difficult enough to deal with, but having both at the same time can feel hopeless. Feelings of sadness, a sense of loss associated with youth and the ability to bear children, as well as struggling with the onset of perimenopausal symptoms are common triggers that can cause depression during the time leading up to menopause. Environmental issues such as finances, health, family, and work can also have a huge effect on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment that may be necessary to stabilize one's mood.
As far as treatments go, there are several options available. Therapy, the traditional method of treating depression, can do a world of good for a woman who is harboring so many conflicting feelings about life and moving into the "second half" of her life phase. Sometimes having a good ear to spill these feelings to can provide a huge relief, especially when positive and encouraging feedback is given in response.
Another treatment option is antidepressant medication. This is another cure that is often used to treat depression of all sorts, not just that which occurs during menopause. Antidepressant medication stimulates the production of chemicals that help neurotransmitters in the brain to regulate their levels. Because depression has been linked with chemical and hormonal imbalances within the brain, there has been a great deal of success with antidepressant medication. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRI's, are a type of antidepressant that has shown to have a particularly positive effect on menopausal women. SSRI's work by increasing the brain's serotonin levels, and because serotonin is responsible for regulating one's mood, the increase in this neurotransmitter enables a person to have a better grip on their mood fluctuations and encourages less depressive thoughts and feelings.
Hormone replacement therapy is another option available to perimenopausal women. This type of treatment does exactly what the name suggests: it puts hormones back into women whose hormone levels have dropped. These treatments generally contain estrogen and progestin for women whose uterus is still intact. For women who have had a hysterectomy, the treatment will usually just contain estrogen. Hormone replacement therapy is available as a tablet, gel application, implant, and even body spray. Hormone therapy has proven to reduce the severity of hot flashes, skin dryness, and bone loss. There are some possible side effects and risks associated with hormone replacement therapy, therefore anyone considering this form of treatment should sit down with their doctor and discuss any possible risks.
Menopause and depression don't have to be one and the same. The earlier a woman seeks treatment for her depression, the more likely she is to obtain relief from the symptoms and move on to enjoy a happy and healthy life. The longer one waits to treat depression, the more likely it is to become deep-seated and resistant to treatment methods.