Gynaecology

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What is the relationship between Hormonal changes and menopause?

Health Description
Health Consultation Description: What is the relationship between Hormonal changes and menopause?

Expert Reply

Condition analysis:

Observations and data suggest that depression is significantly linked to times of hormonal change in women. For example, the disparity in depression rates between women and men begins at puberty. Also, hormonal changes are thought to contribute to premenstrual dysphoric disorder, as well as mood changes post partum and in perimenopause.

Furthermore, estrogen affects both serotonin and norepinephrine, the 2 neurotransmitters thought to be most directly associated with depression. However, absolute levels of gonadal hormones are not correlated with depression. Estrogen and progesterone levels do not distinguish a woman with depression from one without Depression.

When hormone concentrations were measured in perimenopausal or postmenopausal women with depression, no abnormal levels were found. Rather, a certain subset of women seem to be predisposed to experience mood disturbances triggered by hormonal fluctuations. This subset includes women with a history of mood disorders or of premenstrual and postpartum mood-related symptoms.

The risk of depression appears to be higher during perimenopause, when hormone levels are changing, than during postmenopause, when estrogen and progesterone levels are low but stable.

Instructions:

1. Limit alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol and tobacco have can negative effects and actually make the symptoms of menopause worse. Try and reduce your alcohol and tobacco consumption.

2. Take time for yourself. Do the things that you want to do, whether it be signing up for a class, taking in a movie, or starting a new gardening project. This can give you a well needed distraction from symptoms, as well as calm and stabilize your thoughts, which can in turn help stabilize your hormones.

3. Learn your triggers. Often particular environmental, physical, or mental situations can set off a symptom. Common ones include eating spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine. Try to remember or write down what you were doing before the symptom got bad, to avoid repeating the unpleasant scenario.