Can menopause cause depression?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Depression is more serious than occasional sadness. And that is something no one should dismiss or ignore. During menopause, your plummeting estrogen levels affect your feel-good brain chemicals: serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. (As if hot flashes or flushes weren’t enough to deal with!) Not to mention, fluctuating hormones can also kick up testosterone (yup, women have some, too), which may also sour your mood. And you may feel some loss of womanhood if you are no longer able to bear a child. Not to mention, the sleep disturbances alone can do a number on your mood. So if you are feeling blue more days than not, talk to your doctor.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulDepression is more serious than occasional sadness. And that is something no one should dismiss or ignore. During menopause, your plummeting estrogen levels affect your feel-good brain chemicals: serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. (As if hot... More -
Depression is no different during menopause than any other time, but lack of sleep or increased anxiety during menopause can cause emotional issues that can lead to depression. Many issues are part of menopause, including significant hormone changes. These hormone changes can increase mood swings and anxiety. It is important to talk with your doctor about any significant changes in emotional stability or quality of life. Treatment options are available to help.
Depression is no different during menopause than any other time, but lack of sleep or increased anxiety during menopause can cause emotional issues that can lead to depression. Many issues are part of menopause, including significant hormone... More -
RealAge answered:While many people associate mood problems with menopause, there is actually no evidence that menopause increases the risk of depression. Transient mood fluctuations may accompany hormonal fluctuations, but there is no increase in clinical depression.
For some women, mood changes may occur due to lack of sleep. Hot flashes and night sweats can interfere with getting a good night's sleep. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or diet change can reduce or eliminate disruptive symptoms and result in improved mood and sleep.
For many women, menopause is a time of improved satisfaction and feelings of well being. For others, however, menopause can coincide with a time in their lives that is stressful already:
- children leaving home
- midlife changes in career and relationships
- caring for aging parents or other close relatives
Whether or not you are going through menopause, if you have symptoms of depression that concern you, contact your primary healthcare practitioner or other medical professional for an evaluation. There are many excellent treatments, medications, and lifestyle changes that can help.
While many people associate mood problems with menopause, there is actually no evidence that menopause increases the risk of depression. Transient mood fluctuations may accompany hormonal fluctuations, but there is no increase in clinical... More -
Dr. Marina Johnson answered:Estrogen deficiency at menopause is frequently associated with mood symptoms and depression. A meta-analysis of 26 studies showed that perimenopausal and menopausal women treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had less depression than women on no HRT. HRT often avoids the need to take antidepressants because it replaces estrogen, which is often the CAUSE of the depression! Instead many women are initially treated with antidepressants because they are so commonly available. A better choice would be to consider antidepressants only if the depression does not resolve with HRT and other therapies such as exercise, nutrients and psychotherapy.
Estrogen deficiency at menopause is frequently associated with mood symptoms and depression. A meta-analysis of 26 studies showed that perimenopausal and menopausal women treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had less depression than women... More -
Yes, menopause can bring on depression. Menopause is a time in a woman’s life where hormones are off kilter, making her more susceptible to depression, fatigue, moodiness, food craving etc. All the same side effects that are triggers for binge eating.
Yes, menopause can bring on depression. Menopause is a time in a woman’s life where hormones are off kilter, making her more susceptible to depression, fatigue, moodiness, food craving etc. All the same side effects that are triggers for... More
