Depression

What Is Menopausal Depression?

For a long time, many people didn’t believe that menopause could cause depression. However, it has now been accepted that depression is an actual symptom of menopause. Menopausal depression is caused by a decline in progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. Depression resulting from hormonal changes may be difficult for women to detect because many other menopausal symptoms can also contribute to this problem. The following symptoms sometimes contribute to menopausal depression:

• Disruption in sleep patterns
• Loss of energy
• Lack of libido (sex drive)
• Feeling anxious
• Difficulty with concentration
• Clumsiness
• Forgetfulness
• Overeating
• Weight gain
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Sense of hopelessness
• Depressed mood

Estrogen and progesterone are not the only hormones that play a role in menopausal depression. The human body is made up of many different hormones and chemicals produced by the brain. When all of the hormones and chemicals harmoniously work together, the body functions great. However, when one or more of these hormones and chemicals are not balanced, undesirable symptoms can arise. For instance, serotonin, which is produced by the brain, gives us that “feel-good sensation.” It is responsible for healthy sleep patterns, sex drive, energy and mood. When serotonin levels decline during menopause, it can wreak havoc and result in disrupted sleep patterns, lack of interest in sex and depressed mood.

Your Solution: Treatment of Depression with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women

There are many treatment options available for menopausal depression. For example, lifestyle changes can help naturally boost your serotonin levels. Some treatments include exercise, yoga, meditation and healthy eating, all of which can contribute to improved mood.

In some women suffering from imbalanced hormone levels or hormone deficiencies, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can reduce and/or eliminate symptoms associated with menopausal depression by restoring hormone levels to where they were in your mid-20s.