Menopause

Menopause is technically defined as occurring one year after a woman has her last menses. It marks the end of her fertile period. Perimenopause is the eight to ten year period leading up to menopause, during which the ovaries become gradually less active and produce less and less estrogen and progesterone.

During perimenopause, a woman’s risk feeling out of it increases markedly. Somewhere between eight and fifteen percent of women going through perimenopause can feel really down and out of it for a long period of time. Women who smoke are at a higher risk during perimenopause or menopause.

During menopause, hormone levels fluctuate wildly, and estrogen and progesterone levels drop off abruptly. These hormones work on the mood circuitry of the brain. When this balance is disturbed, it can lead to mood swings. Some women are more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. They typically had severe premenstrual symptoms during their thirties and have a lot of trouble with hot flashes during menopause.

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Sources:
http://www.epigee.org/menopause/depression.html
http://www.webmd.com/menopause/news/20060403/nearing-menopause-depression-risk