Am I dealing with menopause blues or depression? Let’s take a look at both.
The time leading up to menopause, called perimenopause, comes with various symptoms triggered by hormonal shifts: hot flashes, insomnia, and mood fluctuations. The emotional effects of perimenopause are sometimes referred to as the ‘menopause blues’. The menopause blues may include mood swings, irritability, or confusion. You may also experience fatigue, which contributes to emotional strain. These sudden hormonal changes put women at a higher risk for depression.
Hormonal Fluctuations
The same hormones that control your menstrual cycle also regulate serotonin, a brain chemical that promotes feelings of well-being and happiness. When hormone levels drop, serotonin levels also fall, contributing to increased irritability, anxiety, and sadness.
The fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone can trigger mood swings that make you less able to cope with daily stressors and activities. For some women, these hormonal dips can set off a depressive episode, especially for those who’ve gone through major depression in the past.
Sleep Problems
Many women experience insomnia during perimenopause. Poor sleep quality and insomnia are lesser-known symptoms of perimenopause and can make you up to ten times more likely to become depressed.
Life Changes
Perimenopause typically occurs when women are in their 40s. In addition to hormonal changes, this is a stress-filled time of life when many events can impact emotional health, such as:
- Aging parents
- Career pressure
- Health problems
- Kids leaving home
These external pressures can make mood swings worse, as well as trigger or increase depression.
Menopause Blues or Depression?
While the menopause blues can make you temporarily unhappy, depression is more persistent. Symptoms of major depression, which is also called clinical depression, include:
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or sorrow that last more than two weeks
- Extreme fatigue
- Feeling like you are living in slow motion
- Loss of interest in activities that you used to like
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Feelings of guilt
- Appetite and weight changes
- Trouble sleeping
- Sleeping too much
- Problems concentrating
- Thoughts of harming yourself
Having a history of depression makes it more likely that you’ll experience an episode as you approach perimenopause. Talk to your doctor if your previous symptoms return or if you have new ones.
Treatment for Menopause-Related Depression
If you’re dealing with frequent mood swings or other symptoms of depression that are affecting your life, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Many women respond well to hormonal medications.
Lifestyle adjustments can also help reduce perimenopause symptoms and promote good postmenopausal health. Healthy habits include eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption.
When to Seek Help for Menopause Blues or Depression
The good news: mood fluctuations are treatable. If the emotional ups and downs during perimenopause impact your normal daily activities or relationships, talk to your doctor about your options.
At Creekside Center for Women, we’re here for you in every stage of life. Reach out and schedule an appointment to talk through any questions or concerns you have about menopause or depression.