Symptoms of Menopause (Cont.)

Symptoms of Menopause: Depression and Other Mood Changes

Many women in perimenopause (the time leading up to and 12 months after your last period) and menopause also feel depressed and irritable. Some researchers believe that these symptoms of menopause are due to a decrease in estrogen that triggers changes in your brain. Others think that additional symptoms of menopause, such as sleep problems, hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue, cause these feelings. Or it could be a combination of hormone changes and symptoms of menopause. In addition, these symptoms can also have causes that are unrelated to menopause.
 
If you are having these symptoms and you think they are interfering with your quality of life, it is important to discuss them with your doctor. Talk openly with your doctor about the other things going on in your life that might be adding to your feelings. Other things that can contribute to depression and/or anxiety include:
 
  • Having depression during your lifetime before menopause
  • Feeling negative about menopause and getting older
  • Increased stress
  • Having severe symptoms of menopause
  • Smoking
  • Not being physically active
  • Not being happy in your relationship or not being in a relationship
  • Not having a job
  • Not having enough money
  • Low self-esteem (how you feel about yourself)
  • Not having the social support you need
  • Regretful that you can't have children anymore.
     
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, you and your doctor can work together to find the treatment that is best for you.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD