Depression in Menopause: How to Distinguish from 'Regular' Depression

Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman's life, often accompanied by a myriad of physical and emotional changes. Among these changes, depression can manifest in unique ways, differing from what might be considered "regular" depression experienced at other life stages. Understanding the distinctions is crucial for effective support and treatment. 

 

The first and obvious consideration is age. Menopause usually occurs between forty five and fifty five years of age so onset of depression symptoms in these years without a prior history, could flag menopausal depression. While the symptoms of menopausal depression often overlap with those of typical depression there are some unique nuances. Firstly, the hormonal fluctuations during menopause play a central role. Oestrogen, progesterone, and other hormone levels undergo dramatic shifts, affecting mood regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This hormonal rollercoaster can exacerbate feelings of sadness, irritability, and anxiety. Unlike ‘regular depression,’ which may not have such a direct hormonal component, menopausal depression is deeply intertwined with these physiological changes. Women experiencing menopausal depression may report heightened mood swings which are notably more erratic and intense, affecting not only the individual but also their interpersonal relationships. Many women report that it feels like someone else has taken over or that they feel demented. Additionally, menopausal depression can be compounded by other menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, joint pain and sleep disturbances, further exacerbating feelings of frustration and hopelessness. 

 

The context surrounding menopausal depression may also differ. Women navigating this stage of life may be grappling with a myriad of stressors, including empty nest syndrome, aging-related concerns, career shifts, and relationship changes. These factors can contribute to a sense of loss, existential questioning, and diminished self-esteem, which may not be as prevalent in other stages of life. Consequently, the psychological impact of these stressors can exacerbate depressive symptoms unique to menopause. Women often describe feeling "abandoned by nature" or "just fit for the scrapheap." 

 

In addition, societal attitudes and perceptions of menopause can influence how women experience depression during this time. Despite growing awareness, menopause is still often stigmatised or trivialised, leading women to feel isolated or invalidated in their experiences. Women often experience huge variation in primary care, knowledge and support for menopause symptoms and treatment. The societal backdrop can exacerbate feelings of sadness and exacerbate symptoms of depression, making it crucial to address not only the biological aspects but also the psychosocial factors influencing mental health during menopause. 

 

Treatment approaches for menopausal depression may also diverge from those for regular depression. Medically, while traditional antidepressants can be effective, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other hormonal interventions may be considered to address the underlying hormonal imbalances contributing to depressive symptoms. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, stress management techniques, and dietary adjustments tailored to support hormonal balance can complement pharmacological interventions. Treatments such as Tung’s acupuncture offers an effective, alternative approach for relief of symptoms. 

 

In conclusion, depression during menopause differs from regular depression in several key aspects. Age of onset, hormonal fluctuations, co-presentation of other menopause symptoms, contextual stressors, societal attitudes and treatment considerations collectively underscore the distinct nature of menopausal depression. Recognizing these differences is essential for providing tailored support and interventions that address the multifaceted challenges faced by women during this significant life transition. By acknowledging and addressing these nuances, we can better empower women to navigate menopause with resilience and emotional well-being. As many women seek therapy at this challenging time of their life, it is essential that therapists can recognise and distinguish depressive symptoms due to menopause and tailor the treatment accordingly. 

 

If you would like some support around the menopause journey itself or depression due to menopause, get in touch here.