Many women do not realize that changes in mood can be a symptom of approaching menopause. While having depression at this time in life is more common, it is not considered normal. Women who experience depressed mood during perimenopause are more likely to have suffered from depression earlier in life, or had postpartum depression or depression associated with menstrual cycles. Women do not commonly experience depression for the first time once they reach menopause.
There are a number of theories to explain why depression occurs at this time in life, with many psychologists believing transitional changes in the household, like kids leaving for college, may play a significant role. Scientists suggest that hormonal fluctuations can trigger these symptoms, just as they do hot flashes and insomnia. Not so widely known causes include nutritional deficiencies later in life due to impaired digestion and malabsorption, poor dietary habits and systemic inflammatory conditions. Most likely, there is a combination of factors at play.
How can depression in perimenopause and menopause be addressed? Of course, the most common forms of treatment in the United States include pharmaceutical hormone replacement therapy and antidepressants. However, dietary approaches like digestive support to improve digestion, specific dietary changes, and therapeutic levels of vitamins, minerals and amino acids can be very effective. Herbal supplements for addressing depression and hormonal changes are also used by nutritionally oriented physicians. Counseling is a modality of treatment often not recommended by primary care providers, but can be as effective as pharmaceuticals for depression and the results are longer lasting without the adverse effects. Each case is different, and must be addressed on an individual basis to determine the best course of treatment.
Posted by Dr. Jennifer Stagg on September 17, 2006 07:47 PM
