At the onset of perimenopause, women experience a surge in hormones that signals the end of their reproductive years. After fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone ebb and flow through this phase, many experience depressive symptoms – but how prevalent is it among those experiencing perimenopause?
Despite its prevalence among women, depression during perimenopause remains an under-diagnosed condition. According to recent studies by Grazia et al. (2018) and Karmen et al. (2018), only 43% and 46% of individuals diagnosed with perimenopause depression received treatment; furthermore, only around half of these women were successfully treated with antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.
The Silent Suffering of Perimenopause Depression
Perimenopause is a transitional period between menopause and postmenopause, characterized by a myriad of symptoms such as sleeplessness, mood swings, decreased libido and insomnia. According to the Mayo Clinic, perimenopause usually begins anywhere between 41-50 years of age; however on average it commences at around 51-60′ years old!
Perimenopause afflicts over one in ten women – a figure that continues to rise. At this juncture in life, many experience depression and loneliness. Yet most people do not realize that these symptoms can be indicative of an underlying condition!
Most individuals who suffer from perimenopause depression tend to feel isolated or misunderstood. They may be unable to fully articulate their feelings due to fear of being judged; so they might conceal them from those close to them.
7 Reasons Why You Might Be Struggling with Perimenopause Depression
Unhappy circumstances, such as relationship struggles or bereavement could trigger the onset of depression. Perimenopause may also be a culprit; with symptoms of anxiety and stress commonly associated with this time period. Then there’s always genetics – that omnipresent force!
For many women, the initial reason for their unhappiness might simply be hormones. Feelings of anxiousness or even despair are common among perimenopausal women; it is quite possible that you’re experiencing any combination of these sentiments right now!
If you’re experiencing some sense of ‘filling up’ in your stomach or a heavy feeling in your limbs during your perimenopause years, then chances are there are multiple factors at play. The following seven can all contribute to how you feel when experiencing depression during this time:
How Perimenopause Depression Can Effect Your Mood and Energy
Find that you’re feeling fatigued and drained? You may be experiencing perimenopause depression. This condition is not entirely uncommon; in fact, up to half of all women experience it during their reproductive years.
The most predominant symptoms of perimenopause depression are lethargy, sleep disturbances, mood swings (ranging from sadness to elation), fatigue, and lack of concentration.
Depression can be a significant issue for individuals experiencing these symptoms. Up to one-third of women will report experiencing depressive thoughts or feelings during this period – yet only one in four seek assistance.
How to Recognize the Symptoms of Perimenopause Depression
Perimenopause depression is a real and serious issue. This melancholy condition manifests itself during this transitional period between menopause and perimenopause – typically occurring in women between the ages of 45 and 55.
The early symptoms of perimenopause depression can include:
* fatigue and lack of energy
* sleep disruption due to insomnia or restless slumber; feelings of exhaustion and unease upon waking up each morning* moodiness and feelings of irritability* feelings of dread and hopelessness; feelings of despair are also possible* crying spells that may come unexpectedly* difficulty concentrating; forgetfulness and absent-mindedness may also be experiencedA relative dearth of data regarding perimenopause depression makes it difficult to pinpoint its precise causes, but experts do know that excessive stressors such as work-related pressure are associated with triggering depressive symptoms.
Treating Perimenopause Depression During Your Period
If you’re experiencing depression due to your menstrual cycle, the most effective approach is an antidepressant . This might be less drastic than switching into perimenopause or early menopause!
In general, antidepressants can be utilized in combating a range of mental disorders. They are typically effective in relieving symptoms like anxiety and stress; however, they may not alleviate depressive reactions caused by hormonal changes associated with perimenopause.
5HT reuptake inhibitors (e.g. citalopram) are typically prescribed as first-line medications for PeriMenoDepression. However, if these fail to provide relief from dysphoria or other manifestations of this condition then another class could be added. If none evinced any effect yet after several weeks of treatment then consider trialing alternatives such as SSRIs like Fluoxetine, SNRI’s like Sertraline or Tricyclic Antidepressants like Amitriptyline; finally if all efforts prove futile at securing a satisfactory outcome consider seeking assistance from psychopharmacologists who will guide you toward drug selections that best suit your needs and requirements!
8 Steps to Getting Better So You Can Enjoy the Rest of Your Menstrual Cycle!
If you’re suffering from perimenopause depression, don’t despair! These simple steps can help you get back on your feet.
To gain a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of perimenopause depression, speak with your physician. In addition to providing an assessment and treatment plan tailored to your individual needs, he or she may be able to provide some insight into the condition’s prevalence and their knowledge regarding any potential remedies available.
Conclusion
Despite what we may perceive as the onset of menopause, the reality is that this period of time is merely an interlude in our lives – a pause between chapters rather than an end point.
Depression during perimenopause can be a particularly distressing experience. It can leave you feeling isolated and fatigued, making it all the more difficult to manage daily responsibilities. If you are experiencing such symptoms, it’s important to seek out professional assistance so as not to exacerbate their effects further on.
Are you aware of any instances where perimenopause depression has led to suicide or attempts at self-termination? Please share your experiences so that we can learn from each other.