Menopausal Women and Depression

Menopause
Peri-menopause describes the stage in which the first symptoms of menopause are experienced up until at least one year after a women's final menstrual period. Peri-menopause is usually experienced between the ages of 45-50 and normally lasts for 4 years (but could be felt as early as the age of 35). Menopause is defined as the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop as a result of a loss of ovarian function.

Hormones, menopause and depression
Peri-menopause is characterized by widely fluctuating hormone levels along with an overall decline in first progesterone and then estrogen levels. The hormone levels can be different every single day, and this can go on for years. These hormone deficiencies and fluctuations are often the cause of the depressive symptoms and the other mood changes experienced during the different stages of a woman's life.

The depression that women suffer, because of these hormonal changes, are not just mild. They can lead to major depressive disorder. In an interesting study which followed women with no history of depression over an eight year period, 50% of those going through peri-menopausal had an increase in depressive symptoms, and 26% received a formal diagnosis of major depressive disorder.

Treating hormone imbalances and depression
The good news is that the right hormonal treatments can help resolve the depression in the large majority of patients. One particular study demonstrated that 68% of women with major depression, dysthymic disorder, or minor depressive disorder were 'cured' (had their depression go into remission) when given an appropriate natural hormone medication.

Where to from here?
I have a whole chapter in my recent book about the hormonal imbalances that can lead to depression in females- not just around menopause, but for those that suffer from postnatal depression and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It discusses the symptoms of these hormonal deficiencies, the tests to diagnose the imbalances, treatment options (supplements, herbs and natural hormones), and also provides the scientific evidence that you can give your doctor.

I encourage you, if as a women you have experienced depression during your 40's or 50's it's very possible that a simple hormonal imbalance is the root cause of your depression. There is a simple safe treatment available which has been proven to help depression, so don't delay.