Menopause and Depression: 3 Causes And 3 Effective Treatments

The subject of menopause and depression can be as uncomfortable to discuss as it is to experience. Because it is an extremely personal subject, many women try to 'gut it out' without asking for help. It is our opinion that this is a big mistake. A little assistance upfront can bring about a huge measure of relief to both the sufferer of depression as well as his or her family members. This article was written as a resource to provide such assistance.

Here are the 3 basic causes of menopause and depression, and 3 effective treatments

Menopause and Depression: 3 Causes:

1) Unhealthy Stress Levels

Anybody with a pulse will experience stress to a greater or lesser extent. It is all part of living an active life, and is not necessarily a bad thing. But it can slowly (or maybe not so slowly) build into a truly destructive force. And menopause will make this pent-up depression even worse. All sufferers of depression should seek medical assistance prior to the onset of menopause.

2) Fluctuating Hormones

As we age, our bodies reduce the quantity of hormones that are created. It is a natural occurrence, but it doesn't have to be permanent. There are many hormone replacement therapies available to replenish the supply of estrogen, etc so that the suffering caused by the lack of hormones can be minimized.

3) Sleeplessness

As you're probably aware, inadequate sleeping habits can aggravate anybody's bout of depression. It's a good idea to maintain regular sleep cycles by retiring and rising on the same schedule. It may be beneficial for the sufferer to take a hot bath before bedtime, and perhaps they should consider a small dose of melatonin as well.

Menopause and Depression: 3 Effective Treatments

1) Seek Positive Support

A good method to minimize the problems of depression and menopause is to seek out someone in whom you can confide. A little empathy can go a long way to make everybody feel better! In addition, the sufferer should consider asking for help with some of the family issues facing the menopausal woman, such as childcare, cooking cleaning, etc.

2) Exercise Regularly

There are many documented studies that prove the effectiveness of exercise as a treatment for menopause and depression. Maintaining an active lifestyle will actually generate mood elevating compounds within the body that will make the sufferer feel much better, and look better in the bargain!

3) Enjoy Yourself

Spending time with people whose company you enjoy will lighten anybody's mood. In addition, finding a hobby or past time that you enjoy will help to handle the day-to-day problems that everyone faces.