Marla Ahlgrimm: Depression, Menopause, And You

If you’ve reached “a certain age” and you’re starting to feel a little down in the dumps, you are not alone. While there is no way to quantify the actual number of women who experience depression during menopause, Marla Ahlgrimm says it’s perfectly normal to have a change in mood as you say goodbye to your reproductive years.

What is menopause?

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, menopause is when a woman can no longer get pregnant naturally. It signifies a new stage of life, which can be exciting, terrifying, and sad all at once. Menopause is triggered by significant hormonal changes that come with age.

Depression symptoms

Depression looks different on different people, but Marla Ahlgrimm says there are a few classic symptoms that women can look for. These include sadness, loss of interest, and difficulty concentrating. In more extreme cases, women who are depressed have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

The connection

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women of any age or stage in life can experience depression. However, specific to menopause, it’s a combination of the hormonal changes and the symptoms they bring that can leave a woman in a constant state of stress that can lead to depression. Think about it: women going through menopause have trouble sleeping. They can no longer carry a child. Their sex life may have changed dramatically. Marla Ahlgrimm says all of these combined can take a toll.

Risk factors

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are other risk factors aside from a hormone swing that might leave one woman more vulnerable to menopause-based depression than others. This includes having a family history of women with depression as well as existing medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia or thyroid problems. Marla Ahlgrimm also points out lifestyle factors, such as limited social support, a poor diet, and insomnia.

Treatment options

Thankfully, depression is a treatable condition. Marla Ahlgrimm recommends a number of different options, including:

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This might help alleviate some menopausal symptoms and work to elevate mood in some women. However, Marla Ahlgrimm says that it’s crucial to discuss potential risks and benefits with your primary health care provider.

Lifestyle changes. As with many health conditions, depression may be eased by simple lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Marla Ahlgrimm also recommends seeking social support from friends and family.

When to seek emergency care

Depression is not always an emergency situation. But Marla Ahlgrimm says it can be. If you’re having suicidal thoughts or severe and uncontrollable agitation, ask a friend or family member to take you to the nearest emergency room.

Menopause is the end of childbearing years, but Marla Ahlgrimm stresses that it is not the end of a woman’s healthy and active life. In fact, many women find that there is freedom and no longer having to worry about contraceptives or caring for an infant.

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of depression, Marla Ahlgrimm says to seek treatment as soon as possible. Depression is not likely to go away on its own, but it is a treatable condition that does not have to control your life.