Midlife, Menopause and Depression

The informative blog 50 Something Women reminds us that despite common terms such as "holiday blues" and "holiday blahs" that it is not natural to feel depressed during the holiday season. When evaluating your own feelings you need to differentiate between the disappointment resulting from unmet goals that might have been a bit too optimistic to begin with versus true depression.

According to the University of Michigan Depression Center middle age can be a particularly difficult time for women and during this time depression will affect twice as many women as men. Menopause is a time that women are particularly at risk. Some studies have suggested that it is the changes in estrogen levels are a factor. One complicating factor of midlife depression in women is that the suffer mistakenly believes that they are experiencing normal consequences of menopause. This is because many of the symptoms of menopause overlap with the symptoms of depression including "hot flashes, fatigue, irritability, anxiety and difficulty concentrating.

Fortunately, depression is treatable so the most important steps are diagnosing it as depression and then seeking help. Untreated depression can worsen and possibly cause physical problems (including a recent study that suggests that depression can lead to a women's risk for broken bones by reducing bone density). If you are experiencing the above symptoms consult you doctor immediately.