Every woman enters the menopause period anywhere between the ages of 45 and 50. It is the condition in which women stop menstruating. Many research studies have shown the strong correlation between menopause and depression. It is seen that women are more prone to depression during menopause than in any stage of life. This is just due to some common factors that result in depression during menopause. Thus, what factors hit the depression during the menopausal phase need to be understood and the underlying reasons can only help her to get the proper treatment.
Symptoms of Depression
There are many reasons that can affect the women with depression symptoms. The main reason is the hormonal imbalance, which starts in the perimenopause phase, which is the preceding stage of menopause. In this stage, the hormones estrogen and progesterone which are responsible for the menstruation cycle and reproductive system, start declining. Among both hormones, estrogen has a great link with the brain hormone serotonin, which is responsible for the person’s emotions and both are directly proportional. Thus, as the estrogen level decreases, the level of serotonin in the brain also decreases, which leads to low moods and sad feelings for an extended period and is one of the initial symptoms of depression.
Thus, depression is the condition in which there are great ups and downs in the emotions and the victim is not in control of their own mood. Some more symptoms of depression that affect women are:
- Frequent mood swings
- Lack of energy
- Lack of interest in the activity
- Feeling of isolation from people
- Always surrounded by the pessimistic thoughts
- Remain sad
- Unable to sleep properly
- Loss of appetite and many more.
Thus, it becomes difficult for them to do their daily activities efficiently.
Women who are about to enter the menopause period should give great attention to their symptoms because they can lead to severe depression if left untreated. So, upon noticing the symptoms of depression, one should immediately contact the gynecologist and, if needed, should also contact the psychologist to obtain the treatment as soon as possible. The selection of lines of treatment is very important, because each depressed woman responds differently to the different treatments.
Antidepressant drugs are the most preferable treatment, which can help to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Also, herbal medicines are available for treating depression.
Other than the hormonal imbalance, the environment at their place, a lack of activity for the whole day, staying alone at home, and many others can also be the reason for depression. So in such conditions, the person suffering from depression can help themselves by practicing a certain type of healthy lifestyle. The diet plays an important role in uplifting the mood, so having a diet with the proper balance of protein, fiber, and carbohydrate can really help. One can also go for daily 30-minute exercise or any sport activity, which brings freshness to the person. Natural therapies like Yoga and meditation are proven therapeutic options, which also helps to preempt the onset of depression. This will help to keep the negative vibes at the bay.