Can the menopause be associated with psychological problems?
The occurrence of psychological symptoms around episodes of change in hormone concentrations is commonly encountered. This may be seen each month before menstruation (premenstrual tensionPremenstrual Syndrome - PMS), after childbirth (postnatal depression) and at the menopause. Premenstrual syndrome is characterised by cyclical symptoms, which regularly precede periods; as the menopause approaches these symptoms may lose their cyclical nature and become more continuous. The term depression is unusual in that it describes both a symptom and the name of the illness. The arrival of the menopause serves as reminder to a woman that the vitality of youth is receding and perhaps half her adult years have been completed. For many, early dreams, ambitions and aspirations do not seem to be even approaching fulfilment. Parents are ageing and rather than providing their traditional support to the platform of life, they begin to require ever increasing assistance themselves. Children have attained adolescence or adulthood and may be making difficult demands.
Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-
- Perimenopause and depression: strength of association, causal mechanisms and treatment recommendations. (2006-01)
- Risk for new onset of depression during the menopausal transition: the Harvard study of moods and cycles. (2006-02)
- Hormones and menopausal status as predictors of depression in women in transition to menopause. (2004-01)
Please click on the required question.
- 1 What will happen to me at my menopause?
- 2 Why does nature put women through the menopause?
- 3 Is life-expectancy changing?
- 4 What happens to my reproductive hormones at the menopause?
- 5 What non-hormonal changes occur at the menopause?
- 6 What problems might I have as a result of my menopause?
- 7 When am I likely to reach my menopause?
- 8 What is a premature menopause?
- 9 What are hot flushes and will HRT reduce them?
- 10 What causes hot flushes and night sweats?
- 11 Can my bladder problems be related to the menopause?
- 12 Can the menopause be associated with psychological problems.
- 13 How long can my menopausal (climacteric) symptoms last?
- 14 Is there a test that will accurately determine when my menopause has occurred?
- 15 Is it normal to experience heavy periods before the menopause?
- 16 How are heavy periods around the time of the menopause treated?
- 17 Is there a need to investigate vaginal bleeding after the menopause (postmenopausal bleeding)?
- 18 What could be the cause of vaginal bleeding after the menopause?
- 19 What is atrophic vaginitis?
- 20 What local genital symptoms can be associated with the menopause?
- 21 I have gone through the menopause and now have some bleeding (postmenopausal bleeding PMB). What will my gynaecologist wish to do?
- 22 Could I have any other long-term medical problems resulting from my menopause?
- 23 What is coronary heart disease?
- 24 What is osteoporosis?
- 25 Where else can I obtain further information?
- 26 Could I have some recommended menopause support groups.
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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
