Seeing Depression as a Sign of Menopause
It may be normal to occasionally descend into the blues as one grows older. Various life events may normally make one feel sad. When a woman however experiences depression somewhere in her 30s to 50s, it may be taken as a sign of menopause. To be exact, women who are undergoing the transition to menopause called perimenopause may experience depression coupled with other symptoms. Other than being depressed, a woman may also experience tremendous physical, mental and emotional changes. These may all be collectively seen as a sign of menopause. Not all women however share all the same symptoms. As such, depression in one may not necessarily be a sign of menopause. Even experts disagree about the issue of looking at depression as a sign of menopause.
Hormonal Causes
One disputed theory about depression as a sign of menopause has something to do with its connection to hormones. Some experts hold that depression is clearly a sign of menopause. They argue that the rapid and unpredictable hormonal changes and fluctuations which a woman experiences during the transition to menopause causes depression. In one study, a group of women were observed for a number of years. These subjects had no prior experience of depression but it was determined that they had a greater risk of suffering from the condition as they went through perimenopause. Depression as a sign of menopause is clearly becoming an accepted theory.
Other Causes
There are however some other people and experts who still dispute the connection between menopause and depression. They contend that a clearer sign of menopause can be found in any of the physical and some psychological symptoms. They feel that depression in itself is an eventuality borne out of a woman’s frustrations and discomforts during perimenopause. Women for example may naturally feel depressed because of the hot flushes and the lack of sleep that they may experience during perimenopause. They may also feel depressed over the prospect of getting older and not being able to bear children anymore. Depression may also be caused by other life factors and stressors which a woman may experience at an advanced age.
Treatment
Whether depression is truly a sign of menopause or an offshoot of it remains to be seen through succeeding studies. It is a fact however, that some women who are transitioning to menopause really do experience depression. The best move would naturally be to consult your physician. Women who experience depression at this stage in their lives may opt for some hormone therapy, psychotherapy or antidepressants. It is however, noteworthy that some claim that depression during perimenopause can be alleviated by mental and physical exercise and eating the proper diet.