How to Beat Menopause Depression

Women often experience depression and anxiety during times of hormonal fluctuations, especially puberty, menstrual cycles, perimenopause, and menopause. Clinical evidence from research indicates sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone are heavily implicated in the development of depression and anxiety since these hormones have a significant influence on a woman’s mood and mental health.¹

Estrogen especially plays a key role in regulating the central nervous system. Not only does the loss of estrogen affect the functioning of the hypothalamus, but it also affects the cerebellum and hippocampus, two components of the brain primarily controlling mood, motor skills, and cognition.

In fact, studies have shown that a woman’s brain is essentially an “estrogen target organ.” Estrogen’s presence in the CNS is clearly associated with the growth of axons and dendrites in the brain, as well as neurotransmitter release (specifically serotonin) and protection against dementia-like disorders. Alternatively, progesterone acts to reduce serotonin levels and exerts a depressive effect when there is not enough estrogen in a woman’s body to counteract these depressive effects.²

During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen and progesterone production fluctuates as ovarian function begins to decline. When too little estrogen and too much progesterone start flooding a woman’s body, the brain reacts by interfering with the production and release of neurotransmitters involved in mood, cognition, memory, and overall health. That’s why nearly all women experience the classic signs of menopause: anxiety, depression, hot flashes, moodiness, lack of energy, and problems with focus and memory.³

Depression and Anxiety Are Stressful Emotions

Depression, anxiety, and other mood problems cause your body to react with stress to these mood changes. When cortisol (the primary stress hormone) remains elevated, your body is in constant fight-or-flight mode. Unless women stabilize estrogen and progesterone levels, they may suffer one or more of the following medical complications due to chronic stress:⁴

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Compromised immune system
• Weight gain due to cravings and decreased metabolism
• Premature onset of osteoporosis (estrogen is involved in keeping bones healthy while excess cortisol weakens bones)
• Insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and nighttime waking
• Gastrointestinal disorders

Physicians typically prescribe an antidepressant for depression and anxiety. Antidepressants like Lexapro are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) meant to relieve generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. While SSRIs have helped millions of people cope with a variety of psychological problems, they can also cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, tiredness, and increased appetite.⁵

People who take SSRIs for more than six months may also become dependent on them as the brain becomes accustomed to higher levels of serotonin. “Discontinuation syndrome” is a problem for those who stop taking SSRIs. Symptoms such as “electric shock-like” sensations called “brain zaps” or “brain shivers” have been reported by people who stop taking SSRIs.⁶ Akathisia, an overwhelming feeling of inner agitation and restlessness, is another symptom of discontinuation syndrome that may make you want to constantly move, fidget, or pace.⁷

Treat Menopausal Depression and Anxiety with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

If your depression and anxiety are related to perimenopausal or menopausal hormone fluctuations, treating your symptoms with SSRIs may simply mask the root of the problem—lack of estrogen and possibly too much progesterone in your body. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a natural way to give you the right amount of hormones you need to avoid unpleasant symptoms that can significantly reduce your quality of life.

BHRT releases plant-based hormones into your body through the insertion of tiny pellets under your skin. These pellets are designed to deliver appropriate doses of hormones as needed by your body. Both women and men opting for BHRT consistently report dramatic improvements in their physical and mental health without the side effects caused by SSRIs or synthetic hormone replacement therapies. Bioidentical hormones are “pure” hormones that cannot be broken down into unnecessary byproducts via the liver and stomach.

To learn more about how BHRT can relieve depression and anxiety related to hormone dysregulation, call us today to schedule a consultation.

References:

1. sex hormones depression and anxiety research review (SCIRP)
2. female brain hypoestrogenic continuum review (ResearchGate)
3. menopause emotional symptoms and mood changes guide (WebMD)
4. chronic stress effects on the body overview (Medical News Today)
5. Lexapro side effects and drug information (WebMD)
6. SSRI discontinuation brain zaps explanation (Psychology Today)
7. akathisia symptoms and causes overview (WebMD)