Scientifically addressing menopausal depression and finding inner peace

The occurrence of menopausal depression is not simply a "bad mood", but the result of the combined effects of physiological, psychological, and social factors. Physiologically speaking, the decline in ovarian function leading to a sudden drop in estrogen levels is the core cause. Estrogen not only regulates the reproductive system, but also promotes the synthesis and utilization of serotonin (an emotional stabilizer) in the brain, while inhibiting excessive activation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. When estrogen decreases, serotonin supply is insufficient, and the stress hormone cortisol continues to rise, emotions can easily fall into a vicious cycle of "depression anxiety". This is also why some menopausal women may suddenly lose interest in things they used to love, and even experience inexplicable feelings of helplessness.

 

Psychological and social pressures will further amplify these physiological changes: competition pressure in the workplace, the responsibility of taking care of the elderly or grandchildren at home, the "empty nest feeling" of children leaving home as adults, anxiety about aging... The combination of multiple pressures makes it more difficult for women who are already in a period of physiological fluctuations to cope with emotional problems, ultimately triggering or exacerbating depressive symptoms.

 

But many people confuse menopausal depression with menopausal syndrome, leading to delayed intervention. In fact, there is a clear difference between the two: the irritability caused by menopausal syndrome is mostly occasional and can be relieved through self-regulation; The symptoms of menopausal depression often last for more than two weeks and can affect normal life.

 

Menopausal depression mainly has three types of signals that need to be monitored: first, emotional signals, such as sustained low mood, lack of interest in things, easily becoming irritable or falling into fear due to trivial matters; The second is sleep signals, such as long-term difficulty falling asleep, frequent dreaming, and inability to fall back asleep after waking up early; The third is physical signals, such as unexplained dizziness, palpitations, chest tightness, foreign body sensation in the throat, bitter mouth and dry throat, constipation, etc. These symptoms may seem unrelated to "emotions", but are actually physical manifestations of depression.