Women's depression, causes and treatment

Sometimes, the impact on mood can affect a woman's quality of life. This is true for most women. But women with depression may have other symptoms related to their menstrual cycles, during pregnancy, prenatal or menopause. The reason for the depression can be hormones. It can affect a woman's emotions and mood in different ways throughout her life.

Anxiety and depression during period

Many women experience symptoms of depression and anxiety during the period. They are often part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Premenstrual syndrome is a combination of physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms that occur in women during the premenstrual period of their cycle.

Due to premenstrual syndrome, you may feel depression during the period along with other symptoms such as food cravings, cramps, fatigue, sensitive breasts, etc. You may also experience severe depression during the period and before due to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Due to the premenstrual exacerbation of your existing depression, it may also get worse during the period.

What exactly causes depression due to PMS is not known, but it's likely that it is connected to fluctuations in the hormones that occur during the second half of your menstrual cycle. If your symptoms of depression during period become overwhelming, then your gynecologist may be the first person to whom you may turn for help.

Types of depression during and after pregnancy

Depression during and after pregnancy is typically divided into the following categories: (1) the baby blues (2) perinatal depression (encompassing prenatal and postpartum depression) and (3) postpartum psychosis. In all cases, help is available.

The baby blues

Many women have the baby blues in the days after childbirth. In fact, it is estimated that 50 per cent to 80 per cent of all mothers experience "postpartum blues" after birth. For most women, the baby blues is temporary—it's usually gone within a few days and lasts up to two weeks after childbirth.

If you have the baby blues, you may: have mood swings, feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed, have crying spells, have trouble sleeping etc. Get help and support from your spouse or partner, family members, and friends. Join a support group for new mothers. Do exercise and consult your doctor.

Perinatal depression

Perinatal depression is a term that includes both prenatal depression (during pregnancy) and postpartum depression (in the first year following childbirth). The symptoms of perinatal depression last longer than "the baby blues" and are more severe. It occurs in about 1 in 5 women.

Pregnant and new mothers who find themselves overwhelmed, frustrated, anxious, persistently teary, or depressed should not be silent or ashamed. Instead, they should talk with their doctors right away and get the support—and in some cases, the treatment—they need.

Symptoms of perinatal depression can range from mild to severe. They can include the same symptoms of the baby blues, but can also include: trouble concentrating, remembering things, and making decisions, withdrawal from family and friends and loss of sexual interest or responsiveness etc.

There are effective treatments for perinatal depression. Most often, treatment will include talk therapy or at times some combination of antidepressant medication, talk therapy, and supportive community resources. Many women do not seek treatment despite their effectiveness.

Postpartum psychosis

A very small number of women suffer a rare and severe form of depression called postpartum psychosis. Women who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or a condition called schizoaffective disorder are at higher risk for getting postpartum psychosis. This will begin during the first four weeks after delivery and may include: extreme confusion, hopelessness and sleeplessness. Postpartum psychosis is temporary and treatable with professional help, but it is an emergency and requires immediate help.

Menopause and depression

The transition into menopause may be a turbulent time for some women. Rapid changes in hormone levels may influence neurotransmitters in the brain. The drop-in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can lead to hot flashes that disturb sleep. This can lead to anxiety, fears and mood swings.

Depression during perimenopause and menopause is treated in much the same way as depression that strikes at any other time. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, be sure to talk to your doctor about finding a treatment that will work for you. In addition, your doctor will try to exclude any medical causes for your depression, such as thyroid problems.