Depression after menopause | 34-menopause-symptoms.com

Unfortunately, for many women the symptom of depression can continue after other symptoms of menopause have disappeared. Indeed, recent studies suggest that the risk for depressive symptoms in women increases in midlife and after the time of menopause, most probably because of the effects of reduced estrogen on the mind. On top of this there is often a feeling of angst at the realization of not being able to any longer carry children. Being informed as to the changes that have taken place in your body can be greatly helpful in understanding depression after menopause. Take a read over the following paragraphs for more information and useful tips on handling this difficult stage after menopause.

OK, what exactly constitutes depression?

Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness or anxiety for long durations and can lead to a variety of physical ailments along with thoughts of suicide. In addition, depression needs to be seen as a disease caused by both environmental and biological factors. Women going through or who have just gone through menopause are particularly susceptible to depression because it is hormones in the brain (serotonin in particular) that regulate mood. During menopause hormones fluctuate and then permanently drop, causing serotonin to drop and making episodes of depression more likely.

Evidence that depression after menopause is far more common

The University of Pittsburgh performed an analysis on 221 women enrolled in the ongoing prospective Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. When the women originally entered the study, they were between 42 and 52 years old, premenopausal and taking neither hormone replacement therapy nor birth control pills.

How can I help my loved one experiencing depression after menopause?
. Encourage her to a doctor. A physical exam will rule out other conditions besides menopause that could be causing depression.
. Make sure you are consistent with your support and be patient.
. Learn about her treatment and help her follow her treatment plan.
. Suggest a qualified therapist. Depression responds best to combination treatment of medication combined with therapy.
. Believe her and never accuse her of faking symptoms and don't minimize what she is going through.
. Invite her to join you in activities and exercise. Physical activity should make her feel better.

However, over nine years more than 50% of the women (129) went through menopause and about a third (69) experienced at least one major depressive episode. Keep in mind those who had a history of major depression were more likely to have such an episode.

The results show that women are more than twice as likely to have a major depressive episode as they were going through menopause, and almost four times as likely after menopause, compared to before menopause.

Based on this analysis the author of the study concluded that there is a doubling of risk for major depression as women go through the menopausal transition.

How can I deal with depression after menopause?

There are many ways you can improve mental health and help to avoid depression after menopause. Firstly, it should be understood that depression caused by a psychological disorder should, immediately and in all cases, be treated by a medically certified practitioner. If however, the depression is being caused by lifestyle stresses, such as overwork and lack of sleep, these are problems that can be handled through a change of lifestyle habit.

If depression after menopause is the result of physical changes in the body, a hormonal balancing program may be the best solution. Alternative medicine treatments have been shown to work naturally, and often target the hormonal imbalance causing the depression. Naturally, the most optimum results are achieved with both a healthy lifestyle and alternative medicine treatments.

For more detailed information on addressing treatments for depression, click on the following link.