Most women find that mood shifts improve when menopause actually arrives. Hormone replacement therapy, often called HRT, can be helpful, but each case is different. A nutritious diet is important for all of us at any age, but good nutrition in midlife seems to be a factor in protecting both mind and body. Support from friends also is a great advantage for many women, and finding new activities to keep you busy and involved with others also helps. Menopause is no longer the dreaded phase of life it once was.
Many options are available to help ease the discomfort.
Ask questions, talk with friends, share experiences, and most importantly, tell your doctor about your concerns. Menopause usually is not a major cause of severe depression. Other life-changing events, such as children leaving home, death of a parent, loss of a job, or poor health, are more likely to cause depression in both men and women at midlife. Symptoms of serious depression involve noticeable changes from your usual feelings that last for at least two weeks. These questions provide some clues to severe depression.