Major Depression: Can Menopause cause it?QUESTION? Can menopause cause a major depression? I have heard about women who just can't keep it together during this phase, and quite frankly, I'm a little worried. RESPONSE : Studies have shown that a lack of estrogen doesn't cause clinical depression. Also, hormone therapy does not cure a woman of clinical depression. A clinical depression is the result of a major imbalance in the neurochemicals in the brain. It affects one's ability to enjoy work, family life, social life, interests, food, other activities that they would normally enjoy. It can lasts for weeks, months or years. There are different degrees of major depression: while certain people can be treated with counselling and/or antidepressants, others need hospitalization. Your family physician can help you decide what is right for you if you are experiencing feelings of deep depression and/or loss of self esteem. Hormone therapy commonly used for menopausal symptoms is ineffective in treating this condition. If you are one of the many unlucky ones who is naturally prone to having a clinical depression, then the shift in hormones may be all it takes to trigger your underlying condition. Having said all that, mild depression may be experienced by women at this time and may be initiated by the drop in female hormones. This can sometimes be treated with a prescribed dose of hormone therapy, herbal remedies and/or counselling. The treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Your family physician may be able to help you decide what is best for you. If you are feeling depressed and you are having suicidal thoughts you should see your doctor immediately.
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