For many women, menopause is a difficult life event
physically and emotionally. It is not surprising that this major change in a
woman's life, and possibly even a major change in her self-image, can lead to
menopause depression. Depending on a woman's genetics, health, and lifestyle
menopause generally will take place in her late 40s or in her 50s.
Unfortunately, this is a time when many other drastic life changes may be
occurring. This is typically about the time when her children are going off to
college or getting their own families. For the career woman, this may also be a
time of major career change or career regrets. With all of this going on at
once, menopause depression is completely understandable.
Of course the most obvious emotional reason for
menopause depression is a woman coming to realize that she is no longer going to
be able to give birth. A lot of a woman's identity may be wrapped up in her
fertility. Many women must mourn this change in life and even adjust to a
completely new self-perception. It is helpful if the woman suffering menopause
depression is able to find new purposes for her life.
Losing the ability to bear children at the same time the
children she has are leaving the home seems like a cruel concurrence of events.
Her previous purpose may have been tied mostly in her children and now they have
their own lives to live and she has no more chance at children. In order to
avoid menopause depression, such a woman must look for the positives. She will
have a lot more time and a lot less stress. Spoiling grandchildren is great.
Sometimes it is nice to be able to see children and not be immersed in them. If
careers are not in the way, it is an excellent opportunity for her and her
husband to rediscover the time they once enjoyed together.
It cannot be overlooked that this is not simply a state
of mind. Hormonal changes in the body can be just as responsible for menopause
depression. If the depression lasts for more than a couple months or becomes
unbearably severe, a doctor should be consulted. There are treatments for
hormone problems that can be administered that can relieve depression.
Menopause depression that is not clinical depression is
particularly treatable. There are natural remedies, the above mentioned hormone
treatments, and medications for menopause depression. In many cases, a change to
a healthy lifestyle may be all that is needed. Consult your doctor before
beginning any menopause depression treatment.
