Depression During Perimenopause

Perimenopause is a tough time for women. During this stage in life, our body experiences incredible changes once again. Our hormones act up as our bodies prepare itself for the end of our childbearing period. It causes us a whole lot of trouble. It makes us lose sleep, it causes memory lapses, and it dries our vagina(!). And that’s only some of our problems.

No wonder we’re depressed during perimenopause.

During perimenopause, depression can be due to physical or psychological causes. Depression can be caused physically by the hormonal fluctuations that perimenopause brings. Estrogen production starts leveling down during perimenopause. This causes serotonin production to vary wildly because it relies on estrogen. Serotonin is one of the hormones that can control our moods. If it swings badly depression occurs. Psychologically, stress brings out the depression in perimenopause. Stress can be caused by various factors but it all boils down to it being caused by the tribulations of experiencing perimenopause. All that pain and trouble caused by perimenopause (as well as the rest of the trials of being alive) transform into a huge ball of stress.

Treating the depression relies on antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Celexa. However, antidepressants are not a reliable solution. They can cause restlessness, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, increased sweating, and more. Some people are not even sure it works for persons with mild to moderate depression.

Thankfully, there are alternative treatments available. These alternative treatments approach the problem holistically. In the holistic approach, the physical problems and the psychological problems are one. It aims to both reduce stress and balance the hormones

• Vitamin B is an important set of vitamins and a deficiency may lead to depression, memory problems, insomnia, etc. Dairy products, green leafy vegetables, eggs and liver are rich with vitamin B
• Vitamin C is said to have a calming effect and greatly helps with mood swings and anxiety attacks.
• Dong Quai is an herb that reduces mood swings.
• Lavender herb relaxes the mind suffering from unexplained depression.
• Lemon balm can be used as a tea. It helps relieve stress, tension and depression.
• Bananas have a substance called trypophan, which produces a happy feeling. Snack on a banana when you’re feeling down.
• Carbohydrates found in whole grains and cereals are ideal. It will not only lift your mood, it will also increase concentration and relaxation.
• Exercise can uplift the mood. It naturally produces endorphins, which makes us feel better. Try running, biking or yoga.
• Aromatherapy can relax the body and relieve stress
• Breathing Exercises can help control stress. Through breathing our conscious mind can exert control on the rest of our body, including our involuntary muscles.

Experiencing perimenopause need not cause crippling depression. Consult your doctor, try these treatments and find the silver lining in this stage of our lives.

One of the great ways to enjoy the ability of bananas to produce a happy feeling is to make a banana smoothie.

Why not try this little recipe that I found?

Classic Banana Smoothie

• 1 ripe banana
• ½ c non-fat yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 c crushed ice
  

Combine ingredients and blend until smooth.