Menopause Depression - Definition And Evolution

Menopause is a period in every woman's life usually associated with physical changes. Most of the symptoms associated with this period of transition are known to be hot flashes, irritation and cold sweats. But menopause has other manifestations as well, such as depression.

Most of the women are so busy trying to get pass this difficult period in their life that they are not aware that all the changes taking place in their bodies puts them under a large amount of stress that can trigger depressive feelings. It is normal for a woman to feel bad during menopause since it is a clear mark of physical aging.

What is not normal is your regret for your youth to go beyond this natural sadness. You'll be surprised to know that 15% of menopausal women are clinical cases of depression, but most of them don't ask for medical treatment, ignoring the gravity of their situation and just thinking it's a stupid thing to feel this way.

Scientists haven't discovered the cause of menopause depression yet; however some theories relating to it have been issued. The first theory concerning menopause depression states that the responsibility for this state of mind lies on the hormone disorder governing the woman's body during this period and triggering important physical changes.

Another theory states that a cause of menopause depression is precisely those physical changes and unpleasant symptoms like hot flushes and cold sweats that put the woman under a considerable amount of stress leading in its turn to depression. But whatever the cause is, menopause depression is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with.

There are several categories of women that present a higher risk to be affected by this disease; thus, women with antecedents in depression, women with a menopause caused by external factors (such as hysterectomy for cancer reasons), smokers, women under high stress present a greater risk of getting a severe menopause depression than other women.

We all know the symptoms of menopause: fatigue, irritability, sleep disorders. What few of us may know is that depression presents the same symptoms and this is the reason for which the two are often confused. You should know, however, that depression is also characterized by concentrating problems, feelings of uselessness, loss of interest in activities we once enjoyed.

The best thing to do is recognize you have a problem, that depression is not a natural part of the menopause syndrome and that you should ask for specialized help. One you do that, your physician will provide you with the best treatment suitable for you. Usually, depression therapy involves antidepressants, estrogen compensation or even the combination of these two.

However, nowadays women prefer treating their depression and menopause using natural herbs as disposition boosters, vitamins and minerals to cope for their body lacks. Starting from this preference for natural treatments, effective supplements containing valerian root (for flashes and cramps), ginkgo biloba (for mental clarity) and green tea (prevents weight gain).

If the depression is found to have a mental source, psychotherapy must also be part of the treatment. This can be the case with rapid and sudden menopause or in the case of emergency removal of internal genitalia (women who lose these body parts and expected to have children run the risk of making a depression; in their case psychotherapy is a must).

No woman should pass through these major changes alone; unpleasant manifestations shouldn't be bared alone, but rather relieved.

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