The Relationship Between Menopause And Depression

Are menopause and depression related? The mid life years certainly offer risk of depression for women with stats suggesting twice as many women are likely to suffer depression than men. The question why is often answered vaguely but there are several factors which could contribute to depression for women.

So is there a link between depression and menopause? Menopause is believed to be a high risk time for women suffering depression. Why? Well there have been several studies performed with similar results but a common denominator is that with gradual decline in estrogen levels during the transitional period, the onset of depression could be likely.

Research Agrees that Menopause and Depression are Connected

There have been a number of research studies on women who are going through the menopausal stage, with specific emphasis on the cause and treatment of depression. It has been found in most of the studies that women who had no previous history of moodiness and/or depression develop this as they become pre-menopausal. This is further aggravated by the fact that women themselves tend to dismiss the connection between the onset of menopause and depression, and do not seek professional help.

The Risks of leaving it Untreated

Without professional help the mood swings usually turn into migraines and acute depression which not only harms the body but also affects greatly the quality of life of the woman and those that live with and around her. It has been seen, though it is not conclusively proved, that menopause and depression even play a role in marital life. Many marriages break around this time (when the woman is in the age group of 39-47 years) and the reasons can be attributed to the fact that with the depression and mood swings it becomes difficult for them to maintain a happy married life.

The Solutions

The depression and mood swings have been widely attributed to the reducing amounts of hormone levels in the pre-menstrual period of a woman life. In this menopause and depression are directly connected. It has been seen that a rich diet in soy food products (tofu, soy milk and soy powder) as well as linseed help to a large extent because these have phytoestrogens (plant estrogen) which balance the depletion of this hormone to some extent. In the same lines hormone replacement therapy also has been seen as a very effective solution to counteract depression.

Self-help is the Best Help

Women have a choice today to fight the demons of mood swings and depression without feeling like they are losing control of their lives. The connection between menopause and depression has been recognized in medical science. The most important thing however is that women themselves recognize and seek help at the right time.

Withdrawal from friends and family is a trait all too familiar with depressed women. Thinking they won't be good company, it's easy just to stay home and not seek interaction. However, gaining perspective from others is an ideal way to help deal with the symptoms of menopause and depression. Joining a support group is another alternative to consider.