Menopause and Depression and Treatment

Menopause and depression are often inextricably linked due to fluctuating hormone levels. It is for this reason that midlife is considered a period of increased depression risk for women, often affecting twice the number of women compared with men. Whilst studies actually indicate that depression is more likely to occur in the years during transition to menopause, the perimenopausal years, the result is typically put down to declines in estrogen levels. Read over the following paragraphs for more information on menopausal depression and the available treatments.

What are the symptoms of depression during menopause?

The symptoms of depression in menopause typically include some of the following; two or more weeks of depressed mood, decreased interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite, changes in sleep patterns, fatigue or loss of energy, difficulty concentrating, excessive feeling of guilt or worthlessness, thoughts of suicide, extreme restlessness and irritability. Furthermore, many of the other symptoms of menopause (hot flashes, fatigue etc.) can overlap with the symptoms of depression, one often exacerbating the other.

Unfortunately, many women suffer needlessly because they think these symptoms are a natural part of aging. Whilst this is true to an extent, it ignores the host of treatments available for easing the symptoms of menopause and depression.

Untreated depression can lead to more severe episodes of depression and even physical complications. For this reason it is important to be informed about the treatments available for menopause and depression.

What are the treatment options for depression during menopause?

Having realized that depression is a problem, the next step is in taking the steps to treat it. The following outlines the most common treatments recommended for dealing with menopause.

Medications - There are many effective, well-tolerated antidepressant medications. Antidepressant medications can be an essential part of treatment for women who are either moderately or severely depressed.

Hormone Replacement Therapy - Some studies suggest that estrogen helps with depression in the early stages of menopause. Although the usefulness of estrogen as an antidepressant has not been well established, it may be an important adjunct to other treatments for depression.

Physical examination - A thorough physical examination is important to rule out any physical illnesses that may cause depressive symptoms. As you age, you may develop some physical health problems. Certain medications can cause symptoms that mimic depression.

Therapy - Therapy involves talking with a trained professional on a short term or a long-term basis and can take many forms. Two types of therapy are particularly effective for depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) targets negative thoughts and behaviors that can worsen depressed mood and teaches better ways of thinking and behaving. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) helps a person communicate more effectively with others therefore decreasing stressors.

Furthermore, if depression during menopause is the result of physical changes in the body, a hormonal balancing program is often the best solution to resolving the depression. Alternative medicine treatments have been shown to work naturally, and often target the hormonal imbalance causing the depression. Of course, in cases of severe depression, a trained medical professional should be consulted.

For more detailed information on menopausal depression treatments click on the following link.

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