Perimenopause and mood changes
by Dr. med. Bettina von Seefried
Around the menopause, around a third of women experience depressive moods, emotional fluctuations and even depression as the most distressing symptom. It is often not easy to distinguish between depression and menopausal symptoms in these cases.
The perimenopause and mood changes
The perimenopause and menopause and their influence on depressive moods and depression
Around the menopause, around a third of women experience depressive moods, emotional fluctuations and even depression as the most distressing symptom. It is often not easy to distinguish between depression and menopausal symptoms in these cases, and the following explains why this is the case.
Perimenopause is the phase before the actual menopause in which hormone production, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, gradually decreases. These hormonal changes can cause a variety of symptoms, including hot flushes, sleep disorders and often mood swings. The menopause is reached when a woman has not menstruated for twelve months.
The menopause is reached when a woman has not menstruated for twelve months.
In order to diagnose depression and, if necessary, treat it with behavioral therapy or antidepressants, the following symptoms are assessed:
- Depressive mood: persistent sadness and hopelessness
- Inability to feel joy or pleasure in activities: Loss of interest in previous hobbies and social activities
- Changes in weight or appetite: Significant weight gain or loss, changes in eating behavior
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Fatigue: constant exhaustion and loss of energy
- Feeling of worthlessness or guilt: Excessive self-criticism and blame
- Difficulty concentrating: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions or thinking clearly
- Agitation or slowing down: Physical restlessness or slowed movements and speech
- Repetitive thoughts of death: thoughts of suicide or death, suicidal acts
Many of these symptoms, in particular sleep disorders, weight changes and concentration problems, are typical symptoms of the perimenopause and menopause. At the same time, women in this stage of life often feel exposed to depressive mood swings. It is therefore important to make a distinction between depression and menopause, as the treatment is very different.
For example, if a woman has already suffered from depression in earlier years, studies show that treatment with oestrogen is less effective and treatment with antidepressants is more likely to help the patient out of the crisis. In such cases, cognitive behavioral therapy or drug treatment with antidepressants may be advisable.
However, if a woman has previously shown signs of sensitivity to hormone fluctuations, such as in the context of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and must therefore be described as hormone-sensitive, then she is more likely to suffer from the fluctuations or the withdrawal of oestrogen. These women can usually be treated well with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Careful consideration of the risks and benefits of HRT is essential, as it is not suitable for every woman.
In addition to drug therapies, lifestyle changes and alternative treatment methods can also be helpful. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, stress management techniques and adequate sleep can alleviate the symptoms of both menopause and depression. Some women also find relief through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga or meditation.
Differentiating and choosing the right treatment method is therefore essential in order to provide women with optimal support during this phase of life and improve their quality of life. A holistic approach that takes both physical and psychological aspects into account is of great importance.
Women who are in the perimenopause or menopause and are experiencing symptoms of depression or depressive moods should not be afraid to seek professional help. Open communication with your doctor is the first step towards effective treatment and improved well-being.
The perimenopause and mood changes
The perimenopause and menopause and their influence on depressive moods and depression
Around the menopause, around a third of women experience depressive moods, emotional fluctuations and even depression as the most distressing symptom. It is often not easy to distinguish between depression and menopausal symptoms in these cases, and the following explains why this is the case.
Perimenopause is the phase before the actual menopause in which hormone production, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, gradually decreases. These hormonal changes can cause a variety of symptoms, including hot flushes, sleep disorders and often mood swings. The menopause is reached when a woman has not menstruated for twelve months.
The menopause is reached when a woman has not menstruated for twelve months.
In order to diagnose depression and, if necessary, treat it with behavioral therapy or antidepressants, the following symptoms are assessed:
- Depressive mood: persistent sadness and hopelessness
- Inability to feel joy or pleasure in activities: Loss of interest in previous hobbies and social activities
- Changes in weight or appetite: Significant weight gain or loss, changes in eating behavior
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Fatigue: constant exhaustion and loss of energy
- Feeling of worthlessness or guilt: Excessive self-criticism and blame
- Difficulty concentrating: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions or thinking clearly
- Agitation or slowing down: Physical restlessness or slowed movements and speech
- Repetitive thoughts of death: thoughts of suicide or death, suicidal acts
Many of these symptoms, in particular sleep disorders, weight changes and concentration problems, are typical symptoms of the perimenopause and menopause. At the same time, women in this stage of life often feel exposed to depressive mood swings. It is therefore important to make a distinction between depression and menopause, as the treatment is very different.
For example, if a woman has already suffered from depression in earlier years, studies show that treatment with oestrogen is less effective and treatment with antidepressants is more likely to help the patient out of the crisis. In such cases, cognitive behavioral therapy or drug treatment with antidepressants may be advisable.
However, if a woman has previously shown signs of sensitivity to hormone fluctuations, such as in the context of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and must therefore be described as hormone-sensitive, then she is more likely to suffer from the fluctuations or the withdrawal of oestrogen. These women can usually be treated well with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Careful consideration of the risks and benefits of HRT is essential, as it is not suitable for every woman.
In addition to drug therapies, lifestyle changes and alternative treatment methods can also be helpful. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, stress management techniques and adequate sleep can alleviate the symptoms of both menopause and depression. Some women also find relief through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga or meditation.
Differentiating and choosing the right treatment method is therefore essential in order to provide women with optimal support during this phase of life and improve their quality of life. A holistic approach that takes both physical and psychological aspects into account is of great importance.
Women who are in the perimenopause or menopause and are experiencing symptoms of depression or depressive moods should not be afraid to seek professional help. Open communication with your doctor is the first step towards effective treatment and improved well-being.