Depression in post-menopause

Post-menopausal depression is a phrase that can cause confusion amongst many women. Following the end of your fabulous menopause transition, it's not all plain sailing. Menopause is the start of many huge changes in a woman's life and the stresses and complications that come with it can last for longer than you hope.

Hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia, along with depression, are symptoms that can last through perimenopause, menopause and continue through post-menopause. Although your mood is changed more often through the hormonal fluctuation you see during menopause, there can be a lot more to it than that.

What to do about depression during post-menopause

Understand it

The way to solve any problem is to first understand what you are going through. Depression and post-menopause can be linked and are often a domino effect of fatigue, hot flashes, sleep disorders, low self-esteem and a stressful daily life.

Accept it

Like with many illnesses (or whatever you want to call it) depression is a term that is flung about loosely when you know you're not going through it. However, when you're plunged in to the depths of depression it can be difficult to accept it and speak freely of your problems.

Don't stay under house arrest

If you are down in the dumps, angry with life and putting a strain on your relationships, the worst thing to do is stay in and feel sorry for yourself. It's true, that that's easier said than done, but by getting out and socializing, or by doing some exercise you can make yourself feel that little bit better each day.

Review your lifestyle

Whilst it is unlikely that you will suffer from estrogen dominance, you can suffer from a deficiency in this hormone. Similarly, are you eating too many comfort foods? Try some 'super foods' like almonds and peaches, or at the very least, ensure that you have enough fruits and vegetables in your diet. Along with 30 minutes of daily exercise, this will help greatly.

See your doctor

If you don't know where to turn next, go for a look at your primary care doctor to check out the symptoms. Failing this, a trip to see your psychiatrist or gynecologist will help to see if you need treatment.

More about post-menopause and depression

Scientific studies show that women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men. It can sometimes be thought that after menopause you can no longer suffer from the problems, but there are more to the signs and symptoms than just a hormonal imbalance. Click on the following link for more about treatments for depression during menopause.

To learn more about Depression