Menopause and Depression

It is now a fact that women who are about to experience menopause are at an increased risk for depression. New studies indicate that the hormonal changes that happen to menopausal women is partially to blame for this. In both studies, women in the pre-menopausal stage were observed and it was noted that none of them had a history of depression. However, their risk of developing depression symptoms considerably increased as they approached menopause. The studies published in the prominent journal Archives of General Psychiatry argued in the favour of aggressive treatment of depression symptoms aside from menopausal symptoms. Currently, health care providers tend to dismiss depression symptoms thinking that it is a normal part of the transition.

From a public health view, depression is an extensive illness that shouldn't be ignored because of its negative impact not just on patients but also on their families. This is a very real problem that should be managed properly. During the transition to menopause, a clinical depression diagnosis is two-and-a-half times more likely. One of the main causes is the decreasing female hormones. Since hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases certain health risks, alternative treatments like natural menopause supplements are becoming more popular. The big problem with these natural menopause supplements is finding one that actually works since there are many low-quality products out there.