Menopause depression is a common issue that many women face as their bodies transition out of the reproductive stage of life. The hormonal fluctuations and changes that occur during perimenopause and postmenopause can trigger mood disruptions in some women. There are several helpful strategies and treatments available to alleviate low moods and feelings of sadness during this time:
- Hormone therapy (HT) - Supplemental estrogen with or without progestin is frequently prescribed to help stabilize hormones. When initiated close to menopause onset, hormone therapy can lift mood, reduce hot flashes/night sweats, preserve bone health, and has been associated with a lower risk of colon cancer. My clinic, Hormone Harmony Clinic, provides customized bioidentical hormone pellet therapy to closely mimic the body's natural hormones. Pellets are inserted under the skin every 3-6 months, releasing a steady supply of hormones.
- Antidepressants - If symptoms are moderate to severe, antidepressants like SSRIs or SNRIs may be recommended by your doctor. These help boost serotonin and other feel-good brain chemicals to relieve sadness and irritability. We find Effexor XR works well for many of our menopausal patients with depression at Hormone Harmony Clinic.
- Therapy - Meeting regularly with a therapist or counselor can help give you tools to manage mood swings, anxiety, grief over fertility loss, sleep issues, and physical discomforts. Cognitive behavioral therapy in particular can aid in shifting mindset and reactions to menopause stressors. Support groups can also provide comfort through shared experiences.
- Exercise - Cardio, strength training, yoga - physical activity stimulates endorphins and neurohormones that energize mood naturally. As little as 30 minutes daily can boost wellbeing. This also helps manage weight and hot flashes.
- Healthy lifestyle - Keeping blood sugar stable through nutrition (complex carbs, high fiber, lean protein sources), staying hydrated, limiting alcohol/caffeine, sufficient vitamin D3, omega-3s from oily fish, and restorative sleep all stabilize body systems undergoing flux. Reducing stress is key as well.
I sincerely recommend touching base with your gynecologist or a menopause specialist like those of us at Hormone Harmony Clinic. We can help assess your labs, symptom impact, lifestyle factors and develop a treatment plan suited just for you. There are more options now than ever to improve quality of life through this transition.
You don't have to struggle with depressed moods - advanced hormone balancing and holistic care makes all the difference. Our award winning clinic has helped thousands of women breeze through menopause smoothly. Please reach out today to start feeling your best again soon!
Some key
takeaways:
- Menopause hormone changes frequently trigger depression - you're not alone!
- Hormone therapy, antidepressants, counseling, exercise, nutrition and lifestyle changes together can effectively treat menopause depression. Do not simply endure this!
- See a menopause specialist for testing and personalized care recommendations
- Innovative pellet hormone therapy from Hormone Harmony Clinic often lifts moods the best through steadier hormone delivery
I'm happy to answer any other questions about navigating the menopause transition!
Let our top notch practitioners help you thrive through this time of change.
