Published on: August 27, 2012
by Staness Jonekos for Huffington Post:
Are you suffering from hot flashes, night sweats or cranky moods? Feeling hopeless, apprehensive or deep sadness for prolonged periods? If so, you may be suffering from perimenopausal depression.
Depression is more common among women than men. Biological, life cycle, hormonal and psychosocial factors that women experience may be linked to women’s higher depression rate. Researchers have shown that hormones directly affect the brain chemistry that controls emotions and mood.
Perimenopausal symptoms may be the cause of depression, and for some, it may even be clinical depression.
According to the North American Menopause Society:
A depressed mood –This is a normal, brief period of feeling blue or sad that is commonly experienced and rarely requires treatment.
Depression as a symptom – This type of depression may be due to a wide variety of medical or psychological problems, or to intense reactions to life events (such as divorce, losing a job, death of a loved one). It is usually short-term and most often does not require treatment, although it can progress to clinical depression.
Clinical depression — This is a pathologic disorder believed to result from a chemical imbalance in the brain. A clinical (major) depression requires treatment.
Women who had severe PMS in their younger years may experience more severe mood swings during perimenopause. There are many factors that can cause an incresaed risk of depression from your genes, to having a prior history to taking certain medications. Certain endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, or other illnesses, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, are also associated with depression.
Signs and symptoms include:
Mild depression — feeling blue or sad — can be dealt with cognitive therapy, psychotherapy, meditation, yoga, getting enough sleep, a positive outlook, healthy eating, incorporating appropriate supplements, acupuncture and exercise. Exercise boosts your endorphins and can lift your mood. Engaging in new activities may help, such as taking yoga or a pilate’s class, or getting out and trying new things, all while enlisting the support of your family and friends.
If you have lingering or worsening symptoms, you may need medication. Depression can be a malfunction of your neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin, which is the “feel good” neurotransmitter. Medicines can be enormously helpful, although you will want to incorporate lifestyle changes as well.
Dr. Wendy Klein, menopause expert and co-author of The Menopause Makeover:
If you are still feeling very stuck and sad, talk to your clinician so you can get a referral to a good psychotherapist. If you need medication, in the broader context of menopausal symptoms, there is some evidence that hormone therapy can augment treatment and help people who are on anti-depressants feel even better. That is a decision for you and your clinician.
According to the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN):
The risk of major depression is greater for women during and immediately after the menopausal transition than when they are pre-menopausal.
If you suffer from depression whether mild, moderate or clinical, get support and visit your health care provider to discuss your options.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/staness-jonekos/perimenopausal-depression_b_1826171.html
Although it’s great to celebrate the big achievements, it’s also important to celebrate the small wins.
Women are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in much larger numbers than men. Approximately two-thirds of Canadians and Americans living with dementia are women. Why are women disproportionately affected? Partly, it...
Your brain is affected by what you eat! Join us Thurs. Jan. 21st for an engaging culinary virtual event. Featuring Special Guest MARK McEWAN Celebrity Chef and Restauranteur With...
The material presented through the Think Tank feature on this website is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. WBHI strongly advises all questioners and viewers using this feature with health problems to consult a qualified physician, especially before starting any treatment. The materials provided on this website cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. The materials are not exhaustive and cannot always respect all the most recent research in all areas of medicine.