Menopause Depression

As the women reach their midlife, a very prominent relationship between menopause and depression can be observed. During this stage, women are often exposed to an increased risk of menopausal depression. The exact reason for this is still unclear; however Scientists believe that the link between menopause and depression may arise due to family history or role changes associated with middle age.

What is Menopause?

The occurrence of menopause is attributable to the fall in the levels of female hormones Estrogen and Progesterone. Along with this, the production of eggs by the body also ceases. Once this stage is achieved, the menstrual cycle comes to an end and a woman is no longer capable of conceiving. There can be a lot of physical and emotional changes during this period which might overwhelm you.

Occurrence of Menopause

Although there is no defined age when menopause is expected to occur, but more generally it occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. However, a few women can experience an early menopause (around 35) or it may be pretty late in others (around 60). Having an early menopause does not indicate that you are in any way abnormal, but an unusually early menopause case must be carefully looked into.

As the menopause approaches, a woman may usually observe some signs like variations in the menstrual cycle. Periods may become scantier with a shorter duration. On the other hand, some may observe heavy bleeding or an abrupt ceasing of periods without any prior warning. Normally, menopause may last for a couple of years, but some women may experience a longer menopausal phase.

Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause is usually associated with a wide variety of physical as well as emotional changes which can be quite overwhelming.

Physical Symptoms

Majority of the women might face some uncomfortable physical symptoms owing to a decline in the levels of Estrogen and Progesterone within the body.

• Severe night sweats may occur at night, drenching your bedding and disturbing your sleep pattern.
• Many women experience hot flushes occurring, on an average, four to five times in a day, lasting for a few minutes. This results in a feeling of extreme heat one minute and a shivering sensation the very next.
• As the menopause approaches, the periods may become irregular, scant or heavy.
• With a lack of Estrogen combined with the ageing process, the skin may find it difficult to retain moisture and becomes dry and itchy.
• Joint and muscular pains or aches may result due to low levels of Estrogen in the body.
• Low levels of Estrogen can also lead to Insomnia. However, this condition of sleeplessness can also be caused by night sweats or anxiety and depression which disturb your sleep pattern.
• Lack of sleep may result in lethargy or a feeling of tiredness, making you feel exhausted all day long.
• Menopause may result in a loss of vaginal elasticity because of which you may find it difficult and uncomfortable to have intercourse. This happens because the vaginal walls become thin leading to dryness and loss of elasticity.

Emotional Symptoms

Although the physical symptoms are quite profound, women suffering from menopause may or may not experience emotional changes.

• Some women may experience a drop in concentration along with poor memory because of a decline in the level of Estrogen in the body, which is responsible for healthy functioning of brain cells.
• Some women may also experience increased levels of anxiety which can lead to panic attacks with symptoms like shortness of breath, palpitation and dizziness.
• A decrease in female hormones may lead to a decrease in sexual desire. But this problem may vary from person to person, with some women finding sex more enjoyable after menopause.

However, these symptoms vary from person to person, a proper treatment of menopause can help in reducing their effects.

Menopause and Depression

The most commonly observed fact related to women’s midlife problems reveals that menopause and depression symptoms go hand in hand. Mood swings ranging from tearfulness and irritability to depression are the common symptoms observed during this phase. The years immediately preceding a menopause may be associated with a high incidence of depression, particularly in those with pre-menstrual syndrome.

Although, the reasons for the relationship between menopause and depression are still unclear, it is believed to be a result of the deficiency of Estrogen in the body. Changes in the level of female hormones can make life miserable. However, menopause and depression are not only related because of a drop in Estrogen. The other common factors contributing towards depression may be work pressure, problems in marriage, problems with children, caring for elderly parents, etc. hence, the treatment of depression is necessary to avoid any serious medical conditions.

Common Symptoms of Midlife Depression

The onset of menopause and depression share some common symptoms like:

• Changes in appetite
• Altered sleep patterns
• A decline in the levels of interest and pleasure
• Loss of energy associated with fatigue
• Low concentration
• A feeling of restlessness and irritability
• Suicidal thoughts
• A feeling of guilt or worthlessness