“Depression has been shown to be prevalent during menopause, affecting as many as 70% of women transitioning into menopause”.1
Umbrella
What may the Menopause Depression umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Clinical Depression
- Depression
- Feeling Depressed
- Menopause Blues
Terminology
Can depression mean different things to different people?
I think the term depression can be like the terms diet, love and menopause and mean different things, to different people, at different times, in different places.
When I use the term depression what I mean may be different to what someone else means or what is meant in medicaltalk by the term clinical depression.
It can therefore be important when the term depression is used, to be clear about what is meant, so we may work out whether we are on the same page meaning the same thing or not.
Definition
What is depression?
DotS the definition of depression may vary. The World Health Organization’s definition is:
In Depression: Overview the (United States) National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) definition is:
Sadness or Depression
Is sadness the same as depression?
In Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know the NIMH explain:
Perimenopause
Is there an association between perimenopause and depression?
In Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 3. Certain Types of Depression Are Unique To Women: Perimenopausal Depression the NIMH note:
Common or Not
How common are symptoms of depression during perimenopause?
In Depression Common During Perimenopause But Not Regularly Assessed By Providers the NAMS explain:
“Almost 40% of women experience symptoms of depression during perimenopause, yet it often goes undetected and untreated because many healthcare providers aren’t screening for it and aren’t prepared with treatment options”.6
In New Study Confirms High Prevalence of Depression During the Menopause Transition the NAMS elaborate on:
“Depression has been shown to be prevalent during menopause, affecting as many as 70% of women transitioning into menopause”.7
Menopause
Is there an association between menopause and depression?
In Menopause FAQs: Symptoms — Q. My family tells me that I’ve become moody, and I admit that I sometimes feel blue or short-tempered. Menopause? the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:
“A. Most women make the transition into menopause without experiencing depression, but many women report symptoms of moodiness, depressed mood, anxiety, stress, and a decreased sense of well-being during perimenopause”.8
Cause
What may cause depression during menopause?
The NAMS note:
“It has been suggested that mood symptoms may be related to erratic fluctuations in estrogen levels, but limited data exist on why this occurs”.9
On page one in Menopause and Depression: Depressive and Menopause Symptoms the NAMS elaborate on:
In Mental Health & Emotions: Depression, Anxiety & Menopause the JH elaborate on:
- Prior episodes of depression
- Significant stress in your life
- A negative attitude to things happening in your life
- Dissatisfaction with your relationships
- Low self-esteem
- Poor body image
- Poor lifestyle such as little exercise or a high intake of alcohol”.11
Traumatic Events
May traumatic events come to the surface at this time?
The JH also note:
“Emotional health around the menopause is also more likely to be influenced by previous experiences of prior traumatic events; for example, past abuse. Women often seek counselling at menopause and might want to work through traumas they have previously experienced. This time of life seems to allow things to come to the surface”.12
Menopausal Hormone Therapy
May menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) be beneficial in improving depression?
One of the points of consensus in the Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy – endorsed by seven menopause-related organizations – published online 20 June 2016, is:
- “MHT may be beneficial in improving mood in early postmenopausal women with depressive and/or anxiety symptoms. MHT may also be beneficial for perimenopausal women with major depression but antidepressant therapy remains first-line treatment in this setting”.13
Online Treatment Programs
Are online depression treatment programs available?
DotC (Depending on the Country) online depression treatment programs may be available. Your health care provider or local community health center may know of your country’s recommended online depression treatment programs.
Treatment
What may treatment involve?
On page one and two in Menopause and Depression: Treatment the NAMS elaborate on:
- Antidepressants…
- Psychotherapy…
- Estrogen Therapy…
- Complementary medicine”.14
Health Care Provider
What if I feel depressed?
If you feel depressed, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider abut this, soon as possible.
In Get Immediate Help the (United States) MentalHealth.gov elaborate on:
Talk to your primary care doctor or another health professional about mental health problems. Ask them to connect you with the right mental health services”.15
In Depression & Menopause: If Depression Is Severe the NAMS also note:
“Many primary care providers are not specifically trained in the management of mental health disorders, including clinical depression. Consultation with a mental health professional may be appropriate, and an expert opinion can be reassuring”.16
In Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 1. Depression Is A Real Medical Condition: Most People With Depression Need Treatment To Feel Better the NIMH explain:
“If you think you may have depression, start by making an appointment to see your health care provider. This could be your primary doctor or a health provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (for example, a psychologist or psychiatrist). Certain medications, and some medical conditions, such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression. A health care provider can rule out these possibilities by doing a physical exam, interview, and lab tests. Your health care provider will examine you and talk to you about treatment options and next steps”.17
On page one in Menopause and Depression: Recognizing Depressive Symptoms and Depression the NAMS explain:
“When you are transitioning into menopause, you should notify your healthcare practitioner whether you have suffered from depression in the past or whether you were particularly sensitive to hormone changes and have experienced premenstrual syndrome or postpartum depression. Be alert and notice whether these mood changes are mild and do not greatly affect your quality of life or whether they are severe and debilitating and interfere with your daily activities”.18
In Who Can Assist: What Works? the (Australian) Beyondblue note:
- Lifestyle changes and social support
- Psychological or ‘talking’ therapies
- Medical therapies”.19
In Depression: How Health Professionals Can Help the JH remind us:
- Depression is common
- It is not a sign of weakness
- It is nothing to be ashamed about
- It can be treated”.20
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Menopause Depression?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Menopause Depression?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.- Alcohol and Mental Health: Alcohol Depression = A Vicious Cycle
- Anxiety
- Anxiety Disorders
- Better Sleep In 6 Steps
- Beyondblue.org.au
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Can Menopause Cause Anxiety, Depression or Panic Attacks?
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
- Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Consumer Health: It’s Bad To Mix Antidepressants and Alcohol
- Dallas Heart Study Yields New Insights About Depression: UT Southwestern Researchers Find Links Between Inflammation, Menopause, and Depressive Disorder
- Depression
- Depression
- Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know
- Depression, Anxiety & Illness
- Depression: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
- Depression: What You Need To Know [Booklet]
- Diet and Mental Health
Does Caffeine Make Depression Worse?
- Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
- Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
- Factors Affecting Women: Menopause
- Find Help: Finding Help Is the Key To Taking Charge and Moving Forward
- Finding A Mental Health Professional
- Finding the Right Mental Health Professional for You
- Get Help Now [Australia]
- Getting Help [United Kingdom]
- Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Perimenopausal Depression: Summary and Recommendations
- Headtohealth.gov.au: Head To Health [Australia]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- How To Look After Your Mental Health
- How To Look After Your Mental Health Using Exercise
- If You or Someone You Know Is In Crisis and Needs Immediate Help
- Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
- Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
- Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
- Link Between Dietary Fiber and Depression Partially Explained By Gut-Brain Interactions
- Live and Thrive: Living and Thriving With Anxiety or Depression Means Conquering Your Symptoms
- Low Mood, Sadness and Depression [+ Video]
- Management of Depressive Symptoms In Peri- and Postmenopausal Women: EMAS Position Statement [European Menopause and Andropause Society]
- May Is Mental Health Month 2020
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Lift Your Mood With Light Therapy [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms — Q. My family tells me that I’ve become moody, and I admit that I sometimes feel blue or short-tempered. Menopause?
- Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
- Menopause and Depression
- Menopause and Mental Health
- Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause: Emotions and the Menopause: Mood Swings, Anxiety and Depression [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
- Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
- Mental Health & Emotions: Depression, Anxiety & Menopause
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Mentalhealthatwork.org.uk [Mental Health At Work, United Kingdom]: Your First Stop for Better Mental Health At Work
- Mindfulness
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 5 Tips: What You Should Know About the Science Behind Depression and Complementary Health Approaches
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Anxiety At A Glance
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Depression
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Lavender
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe): In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort and Depression: In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Valerian
- National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
- New Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Perimenopausal Depression
- Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
- One Hour Per Week of Exercise Protects Against Depression Study Shows
- Perimenopause and Depression
Physical Activity and Your Mental Health
- SAMe
- Self-Care and Kindness: Finding A Solution To the Trigger of Our Anxiety
- Shedding Light on New Treatment Options for Perimenopausal Depression and Sleep Problems
- Supporting Women Through Menopause
- Take Action Before the Blues Take Over
- Thiswayup.org.au
- Timetochange.org: Time To Talk Day 2021, Thursday 4 February
- Tips for Coping With Depression
- Transdermal Estradiol Shows Promise In Treating and Preventing Perimenopausal Depression
- Treatments for Anxiety
- Treatments for Depression
- Trial To Treat Depression In Perimenopausal Women
- Tuesday Tips: 4 Low-Cost Ways To Manage Depression [+ Video]
- Types of Talking Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Types of Therapist: How To Find & Choose A Therapist – What Is the Difference Between A Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor?
- Understand the Facts: Understanding the Facts of Anxiety Disorders and Depression Is the First Step
- Understanding Menopause – Booklet
- Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
- Video Series-2019 – Mood Changes During Perimenopause
- Video Series-2019 – What You Need To Know About Mood During the Menopause Transition
- Video Series-2020 – How To Talk To Your Primary Care Clinician About Your Overall Health
- Video Series-2020 – What You Need To Know About Cognition and Mood Changes
- Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
- Why Some Women Are More Likely To Feel Depressed
- Women
- Women and Depression
- Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- New Study Confirms High Prevalence of Depression During the Menopause Transition 01 July 2020. North American Menopause Society http://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/press-release/depression-and-fear-of-death-during-menopause-7-1-20.pdf Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Depression: Let’s Talk. 30 January 2020. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Depression: Overview. Last Revised: February 2018. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml#part_145398 Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know. Revised: 2020. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women/index.shtml Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 3. Certain Types of Depression Are Unique To Women: Perimenopausal Depression. Revised 2020. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women/index.shtml#pub3 Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Depression Common During Perimenopause But Not Regularly Assessed by Providers. 21 January 2020. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/press-release/depression-screening-during-perimenopause-1-21-20.pdf Accessed: 16 January 2021
- New Study Confirms High Prevalence of Depression During the Menopause Transition 01 July 2020. North American Menopause Society http://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/press-release/depression-and-fear-of-death-during-menopause-7-1-20.pdf Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms — Q. My family tells me that I’ve become moody, and I admit that I sometimes feel blue or short-tempered. Menopause? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms — Q. My family tells me that I’ve become moody, and I admit that I sometimes feel blue or short-tempered. Menopause? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Menopause and Depression: Depressive and Menopause Symptoms. 2018:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/menonote-menopause-and-depression.pdf Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Mental Health & Emotions: Depression, Anxiety & Menopause. Last Updated: 22 October 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions/ Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Mental Health & Emotions: Depression, Anxiety & Menopause. Last Updated: 22 October 2019 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions/ Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT. Climacteric, 2016;19:4:314 https://www.imsociety.org/manage/images/pdf/ba6379e868044bec13015ac2b84f2753.pdf Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Menopause and Depression: Treatment. 2018:1-2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/menonote-menopause-and-depression.pdf Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Get Immediate Help. Last Updated: 17 March 2020. MentalHealth.gov https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Depression & Menopause: If Depression Is Severe. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/mental-health-at-menopause/depression-menopause Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 1. Depression Is A Real Medical Condition: Most People With Depression Need Treatment To Feel Better. Revised: 2020. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women/index.shtml#pub1 Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Menopause and Depression: Depressive and Menopause Symptoms. 2018:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/menonote-menopause-and-depression.pdf Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Who Can Assist: What Works? Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/who-can-assist Accessed: 16 January 2021
- Depression: How Health Professionals Can Help – Remember. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 March 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health/depression Accessed: 16 January 2021