Biological factors cause depression, most specifically the hormones in the brain. Your mood is regulated by serotonin and when the levels of this hormone drop then mood can fluctuate and severe depression may be experienced. When a person experiences depression symptoms may included feeling hopeless and sad for prolonged periods of time. There are a variety of other symptoms that may be experienced and can be quite disastrous. These include extended periods of sleep, isolating oneself, and even feeling suicidal. Women who suffer from depression need to realize it is not their fault and that its onset is not controllable. Depression during menopause is common in many women due to the many fluctuations in hormones.

It is common for menopausal women to feel sad and experience episodes of depression. In fact, approximately 8-15% of women are thought to go through menopause related depression. Usually, women who will be affected by this will experience it during perimenopause, which is the period leading up to menopause. There are many theories as to why women going through the change of life experience mood disorders.

One idea is that the many menopausal symptoms experienced can cause the onset of depression. Women have many responsibilities including their families, employment, finances, and social obligations. Adding the many physical changes that occur as a result of menopause could be the final straw for many women.

The many changing hormones during menopause is another theory as to the cause of depression in women. The levels of progesterone, estrogen, and androgen change dramatically throughout menopause and these hormones may affect the brain’s mood center. When hormones drop suddenly, like estrogen, then women may feel hopeless and sad. When a major drop occurs in hormones depression may result.

You may be at an increased risk of developing depression during menopause if you have a previous history of depression and/or mood disorders. Women who have experienced depression before, especially during their 20s, are more likely to have their depression recur during menopause. Surgical menopause is also a cause of increased depression. Luckily, there are many treatment options for women who experience depression as a result of menopause. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms and don’t feel weak or guilty that this has happened to you.

Posted in Menopause

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