Have you not been feeling in the best of moods lately? While circumstances differ from person to person, the problem may be connected to your hormones, which is especially true for women who go through menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. In this article, we will discuss a few things you should know about this condition, such as what could cause it and how you can treat it.
What Are Some Symptoms of Depression?
If you can check at least a few items on this list, then you might be dealing with a form of depression. If so, you may need to make some lifestyle adjustments or see a medical professional for a better diagnosis.
- Losing interest in or ceasing to enjoy your favorite activities.
- Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep.
- Having recurring thoughts about death or suicide.
- Feeling irrationally guilty or constantly anxious.
- Losing or gaining a lot of weight in a short period of time.
- Experiencing a lack of appetite or stress eating.
- Struggling to concentrate or focus on tasks.
- Not having enough energy or feeling easily fatigued.
What Causes Depression in Women?
Depression, at its very core, is the result of chemical imbalances within the brain. Women are more susceptible to hormones rising and falling due to how their bodies are wired. Some common causes include:
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Hormones fluctuate rapidly during each menstrual cycle. While symptoms are usually manageable, some women end up being diagnosed with a more severe condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
- Pregnancy: Estrogen tends to drop postpartum, especially in the first six months after childbirth. Low levels of estrogen can also lead to low levels of serotonin, which can cause depression.
- Menopause: Estrogen and progesterone levels fall greatly during this period of time, which can cause symptoms similar to depression, such as irritation or insomnia.
How to Cope with Depression
While there is no treatment that fits every individual, there are a few things you can try in order to get this condition under control.
- Open up to people you trust.Do not keep all of those complicated feelings in. Turn to your friends and family and let them know what you are going through.
- Seek therapy and counseling.If the former may not be an option, or if you need additional assistance, therapists will be able to help you figure out some of the possible root causes of your depression. They can also teach you some behavioral therapy techniques to get through each day.
- Consider medication. Consulting a psychiatrist can help you figure out the right type of medicine for your condition. You might also want to consider having yourself tested for hormonal imbalance. Your doctor might recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to correct your imbalances.
Remember: You Are Not Alone
Depression can make women feel isolated, but it is a condition that can be treated with time and patience. If you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above, reach out for help now before it worsens. The sooner you treat depression, the better you will feel with each day that goes by.
Image credit: Shanon Wise – https://flic.kr/p/7hh5Dc