In this week's podcast, Pam and Ally are tackling the question... Is it menopause or depression?
Finding emotional well-being during peri/menopause is all about striking a balance between taking care of yourself and fulfilling your responsibilities at work and in your caregiving roles. It's common for many women to recognize the sources of tension and stress in their lives, yet still struggle to make time for self-care. The first step towards handling these challenges is acknowledging that they exist. While we might not be able to change all the stressors around us, having effective coping skills can empower us to face life's hurdles with renewed confidence, equilibrium, and inner peace.
For some women, making adjustments to their daily routines can also make a big difference. This might involve adopting a well-balanced diet and incorporating regular exercise into our lives.
Let's talk about the importance of seeking support from a healthcare provider. They can help us distinguish between regular stress or feeling down and the possibility of clinical depression (major depression). Major depression is linked to an imbalance in brain chemicals and the hormonal shifts during perimenopause could be linked to this imbalance. This type of depression is characterized by symptoms like persistent fatigue, low energy, diminished interest in activities we once loved, feelings of sadness, irritability, disruptions in sleep patterns, restlessness, changes in weight, and a decrease in sexual desire. While occasional experiences of these symptoms are common, if they persist for more than two weeks, it might indicate major depression. Emotional health during perimenopause requires a balance between self-nurturing and the obligations of work and caring for others. Many women are able to identify and describe sources of tension and symptoms of stress but may still find it difficult to take time for themselves. Recognizing a problem is the first step to finding ways to cope. Although many stressors cannot be altered, coping skills can enable women to meet life’s challenges and create a renewed sense of self-confidence, balance, and harmony.
Some women also may benefit from adjustments to their lifestyles, including eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. It’s important that a healthcare provider helps a woman decide whether she is just feeling stressed or blue or whether she is clinically depressed (major depression). Major depression is a condition associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain, and changing hormones during perimenopause may be associated with that imbalance. It’s marked by symptoms such as prolonged tiredness, low energy, loss of interest in normal activities, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbances, agitation, weight changes, and decreased sex drive. Although most people will experience these symptoms from time to time, they have to last for more than 2 weeks to suggest major depression.
Is It Menopause or Depression?
Signs of Major Depression If you have been experiencing some of these signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks, you may be experiencing major depression and should see a healthcare provider.
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Irritability
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Decreased energy or fatigue
Moving or talking more slowly
Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
For major depression, antidepressants and/or cognitive behavior psychotherapy can correct the chemical imbalance.
Most women will show a noticeable improvement with antidepressants and have relatively few adverse events, although it may take several weeks to experience the drug’s full effects. Common adverse events include weight gain and difficulty with sexual desire and arousal. Cognitive-behavior therapy also has been shown to effectively treat depression in some women. Antidepressants are most effective when used in combination with psychotherapy. For some people, psychotherapy without medication may not be as effective.
Estrogen also has been shown to significantly improve mood in some women during perimenopause. A healthcare provider may recommend a trial of systemic estrogen therapy for women with symptoms of depression along with bothersome menopause symptoms. This may be recommended for women who are unable or unwilling to take antidepressants, or the two therapies can be used in combination if antidepressants alone are insufficient.
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