Menopause Depression

Do you have any idea what your mom, your wife, or every woman in your life is going through of mental stresses and physiological changes during what we call “Menopause?”

Menopause is a natural physiological phase that every woman goes through at a certain age, and no doubt it’s not an easy experience as it points to several things such as the pause of the ability to reproduce, the reach of old age, and hormonal changes.

In addition to many other symptoms such as anxiety and hot flashes that vary in their intensity between one woman and another. That is why many people call this phase a wrong name and we aim to change that “menopause”.

The previous factors combined with other factors that we will mention later in the article, in causing the so-called “menopausal depression”.

What is menopausal depression and what are its symptoms?

Firstly; Depression is a mental health condition that affects a woman’s feelings, thoughts, and behavior, causing her to feel sad, empty, and unable to enjoy activities she previously enjoyed, and problems with memory, appetite, and sleep may be noticed. Some studies have indicated that the risk of depression increases by 2-5 times during the period associated with menopause compared to the previous years. [1]

Women notice several symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, crying bouts, insomnia, [2] forgetfulness, low confidence, and lack of concentration. [3]

What are the causes that may lead to depression of menopause?

Studies have not been able to determine the main causes of this depression, but there are some auxiliary factors, including:

Physiological factors: A sudden change in the level of hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, may affect a woman’s mood because they mainly affect neurotransmitters such as serotonin and adrenaline, which control the mood of humans. [1] The risk increases with other pre-existing disorders such as postpartum depression, menstrual disorders, or a family history of depression. [1]
In addition, the physical symptoms accompanying menopause, such as insomnia, night sweats, and hot flashes greatly affect a woman’s mood. [2]
Psychological and social factors: These include the woman’s view of the environment of menopause as aging and a loss of youth and femininity, in addition to the responsibilities that this woman may have in terms of work, family care, or child-rearing, also to her married life, and her lack of social support. [1]
Other health factors: such as going through a midlife crisis that coincides in time with the age of menopause, or depending on her lifestyle; From smoking, alcohol, exercising and undergoing surgeries that cause early menopause, such as removing the ovaries. [1]

Is there a cure for this disorder?

Of course, and as a treatment for depression in general, medication therapy and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy should be combined; As medication therapy, it usually includes serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

While psychological treatment is carried out under the supervision of a psychologist, according to the condition of the woman and the severity of her symptoms, [1]there are complementary therapies such as exercise, quitting smoking or alcohol, cutting back on caffeine, and practice yoga, meditation or hypnosis. [2] There is also Hormones Replacement Therapy HRT. [3]

Finally; It is important for you to realize that the psychological symptoms associated with menopause are just as important as the physical symptoms, so do not hesitate to seek professional help when you notice them.

From the Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative, we’ll tell you: that menopause is the age at which you decide to stop loving, feeling happy, and giving,for yourself in the first place, which will positively affect everything around you. You are not that age nor this body, you are this brave soul that does not fear progress, and does not stop loving, so take care.