Menopause and Depression: What You Need to Know
Introduction
Many menopausal women report experiencing feelings of depression, often linked to the significant life changes and challenges associated with this stage of life. Prioritizing mental well-being is crucial for successfully navigating menopause, making it an essential topic for midlife women. But what causes depression and how can it be treated during menopause? This blog explores the connection between menopause and depression, offering valuable insights and resources to women in McLean, Tysons, Vienna, Arlington, and Fairfax who are seeking effective treatment.
Understanding the Hormonal Transition of Menopause
During premenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate predictably, maintaining the body's regular hormonal cycles. However, perimenopause—a transitional phase that often begins in the mid-to-late 40s or earlier for some—brings erratic hormonal shifts. As the body begins to produce less estrogen and progesterone, these changes occur inconsistently, often causing irregular and unpredictable symptoms that can be difficult to identify as early signs of menopause.
In non-menopausal women, estrogen levels typically range from 30 to 400 picograms per milliliter, measured via blood tests. As women transition into menopause, these levels drop significantly, often falling between zero and 30 picograms per milliliter. This decline can disrupt many bodily functions, leading to common symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, muscle aches, thinning hair, osteoporosis, and mood changes such as anxiety and depression. Interestingly, as hormone production stabilizes at lower levels during menopause, some women report feeling better.
As one of the few Menopause Society Certified Practitioners (MSCPs) in Northern Virginia, Meno-Start Founder Dr. Shannon Cothran has worked extensively with clients navigating these challenges. Among the most difficult symptoms to manage are anxiety, stress, and depression, which can feel overwhelming and isolating. “Depression can be the most frustrating symptom because it often feels like an invisible and complex issue without a root cause. Women feel helpless,” said Dr. Cothran. “During a consultation and evaluation, I identify where they are in their menopausal journey to give back a sense of control.”
The Role of Serotonin and Depression
Depression is often linked to low levels of serotonin, commonly known as the "feel-good chemical." Normal serotonin levels typically range between 50 and 200 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) and are essential for physical healing, stable mood, and restful sleep. During menopause, declining estrogen and progesterone levels can disrupt the body’s production of serotonin, potentially contributing to feelings of depression and anxiety. While research is ongoing, low serotonin levels are widely believed to influence the development of depression and anxiety during this transitional phase.
The 2015 article "Depression in the Menopause Transition: Risks in the Changing Hormone Milieu as Observed in the General Population" by Ellen W. Freeman explores the link between depressive symptoms and menopause. Freeman cites studies showing that hormonal changes increase the incidence of depression. However, a history of depression is one of the most reliable predictors of depressive symptoms during menopause, as confirmed by consistent results across several large cohort studies.
Environmental Stressors and Lifestyle Factors
In addition to genetic predispositions, depression can be influenced by environmental stressors. During perimenopause, “your 40s and 50s are a time when life’s pressures can be greatest,” said Dr. Nazanin E. Silver in a statement on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) website. “Many people in this age group are managing demanding jobs, raising younger children or sending older children off to college, and caring for aging parents. All of this stress can add to mental health challenges.”
Further, alcohol consumption during menopause can exacerbate depression by acting as a central nervous system depressant. It can amplify mood swings and emotional instability, already heightened by hormonal fluctuations, worsening depressive symptoms rather than alleviating them.
Seeking Treatment and Support
The most important step for menopausal women suffering from depression in McLean, Tysons, Vienna, Arlington, and Fairfax is to seek effective treatment. Because some individuals are more sensitive to hormonal changes, working with a licensed menopause doctor, such as Dr. Cothran, who has access to their medical and family history, is essential for holistic care.
She conducts comprehensive medical evaluations and can prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to supplement declining estrogen and progesterone levels. She may also prescribe antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or recommend lifestyle changes like reducing alcohol consumption and adopting a fitness regimen under the guidance of Meno-Start Co-Founder Dulany Washington, a certified wellness coach with the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Her client testimonials underscore her holistic approach. “Dr. Cothran is what I wish every doctor was like—warm, attentive, and knowledgeable. She takes the time to know you, listens seriously without dismissing, and always explains things in a way that makes me feel validated and informed along the way. She really treats you as a whole human, not just a specific symptom. Dr. Cothran is wonderful, and I would recommend her to any friend,” said Stephanie A.
Conclusion
Addressing the multifaceted causes of depression during menopause—from hormonal fluctuations and genetic predispositions to environmental stressors—is key to reclaiming mental well-being. With the right combination of medical, fitness, and nutrition services, women can not only alleviate the burdens of depression but also embrace this transitional phase as a time for growth, resilience, and self-care. Meno-Start’s holistic approach empowers women to navigate the complexities of menopause with personalized care. If you are experiencing depression, we encourage you to contact Meno-Start for treatment and support.
Schedule your free tour and meet Dr. Cothran.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renier is a professional marketing consultant from Fairfax, Virginia. He is passionate about promoting the health and wellness space.