menopause and depression Women between the ages of 45 and 64 have the lowest well-being of any age or sex group in the United States, menopause and depression according to a study. Experts say there are many reasons for this, but can not be a coincidence that the women in this group are approaching or already in the process of menopause. Factors normal stress exacerbated by hormonal changes can take an emotional toll, and for some women, what begins as a Benin case of sadness may eventually become a clinical depression - a serious illness that negatively affects how you act and feel leaving often unable to function or enjoy things before.menopause and depression
The relationship between menopause and depression
"Women are twice as likely to develop depression than men, and, unfortunately, are particularly vulnerable during perimenopause [period before menopause, when ovulation and menstruation decreasing] and menopause [when the ovulation and menstruation ceases completely], menopause and depression "says Audrey Henry, MD, a psychiatrist and director of the Department of Women of Philadelphia Friends Hospital.menopause and depression
Indeed, researchers at Harvard University found that women who had not been diagnosed with depression were twice as likely to develop significant depressive symptoms after entering perimenopause.menopause and depression And although depression can affect any woman at menopause, "those with a history of depression or who have suffered from severe PMS, seem to have a significantly higher risk," says Dr.menopause and depression Henry.
Why depression occurs during menopause
Experts say several factors may be the cause - and they vary from woman to woman. To begin with, 'fluctuations and decreases estrogen levels seem to have a negative impact on brain chemistry, "says Henry. A study by the University of Pennsylvania 231 women without a history of major depression,menopause and depression for example, showed a strong relationship between changes in hormone levels during perimenopause and menopause and the development of depressive symptoms.
In addition, menopause itself can be a time of transition for many women. "Your fertile days have come to an end, and enter the last phase of his life. Which inevitably alter your perspective and can bring a bit of sadness too, which can trigger depression in some women who are at risk or prone to it,menopause and depression "says Molly Roberts, MD, a holistic doctor at Canyon Ranch Health Resort in Arizona and co gay medicine.
Containing depression during menopause
If you have been depressed, Henry warns:menopause and depression "Do not ignore your depression and hope you will leave it alone. If it is left untreated, may worsen, which is harmful to your physical and mental health "Here are some strategies that can help detect problems quickly and effectively treated.:menopause and depression
Knowing what to look for.menopause and depression While unpleasant mood swings are a normal side effect of perimenopause and menopause. However, a feeling of sadness or irritability, from time to time is not the same as the development of depression. "If you are very sad to have lost interest or the ability to enjoy the things you normally do, have trouble sleeping, have little or no power, and do not finish their work and / or to focus - and this has been ongoing for more than two weeks - you suffer from clinical depression and should see a psychologist, psychiatrist or doctor, "said Henry.menopause and depression
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