subject: Linking Menopause And Depression [print this page] Menopause - the permanent ending of a woman's menstrual cycle - continues to spark debate among medical experts regarding the symptoms related to its onset. While experts agree that the hormonal shift that occurs during menopause is responsible for such common side effects as hot flashes, memory loss, and weight gain, they are still unclear if there is a solid link between menopause and depression. Although many women will tell you there is no doubt.
Menopause generally occurs sometime between the late forties and mid-fifties and is defined by the cessation of egg production by a woman's ovaries. This is not a process that happens overnight; rather this is a subtle and gradual process that can occur over several years. In some situations, however, a surgery can result in medically induced menopause. In either case, in addition to the termination of the menstrual cycle, the ovaries will also stop producing estrogen the female hormone responsible for the delicate balancing act of the female body. The elimination of this hormone results in a bevy of menopause-related symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, and memory loss.
Another symptom of menopause is often mood swings; but at this point sufferers begin to wonder if there is a more of a correlation between menopause and depression than originally thought.With the shift in hormonal balance that occurs during menopause, it stands to reason that menopause and depression could be linked. While depression can be environmental sparking up during a particularly difficult period of time it can also be related to hormonal imbalances.
Consequently, more and more research is being done to determine the relationship between the onset of menopause and depression in women. Even if you look at depression from a solely environmental perspective, it still makes sense that menopause and depression could be linked. Menopause can be a difficult time for a woman; the ending of their reproductive years can generate a myriad of feelings. And dealing with the symptoms associated with menopause can be equally difficult. In some cases, depression can result.
Ultimately, if you are noticing a link between menopause and depression it doesn't matter what the experts say. Your experience is your experience and you should seek help accordingly. In today's world, there are a variety of treatment plans available to a menopausal woman; it is not necessary to suffer. If you find that you are having difficulties, see your doctor immediately.
