As women approach midlife and menopause, one of the things that they really need to be on the lookout for is depression. While some believe that menopause will not cause a person to become depressed, it is the changes during menopause and that menopause occurs around the time when a “midlife crisis” can occur that causes the depression. Others believe it is from the changes in hormones that occur during menopause that cause depression. The reality is that it is probably a combination of the two.
No matter what the source of depression is, it is important to understand depression. The symptoms of both depression and menopause are very similar to one another. The common symptoms include the following:
- Sleep disorders
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Concentration and focus problems
- Changes in eating
There are many women who associate these symptoms with the changes that menopause brings about. However, these symptoms may actually be a sign of depression. When a person suffers from depression it is important to both understand and deal with these issues. Untreated and unrecognized depression can become a major health risk.
As women approach menopause their menstrual cycles begin to change and become unpredictable. This makes them feel as though they are loosing control of their bodies and can contribute to depression. Other factors that can contribute to depression include changes in appearance, libido, increased fatigue, and the effects of age on physical abilities. There are changes that occur with age and menopause that some women have difficulties dealing with and can cause depression. Counseling and when appropriate, medication, can help a woman get passed this stage in her life and move forward.
Whenever women grow depressed as they enter into menopause, there needs to be a two-pronged approach in treating these issues. Therefore, if you happen to be a woman who is approaching midlife and menopause, then you really do need to be aware of the fact that depression can be a very real side affect of the changes that are happening and will be happening to your body and in our life. These changes and the issues that they bring about with them are things that you will most definitely want to discuss with your doctor. If you are already experiencing symptoms of depression, do not be shy about seeking help from a medical professional.
