In addition to illness, women can suffer from depression due to major life events such as pregnancy and childbirth.
Premenstrual syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs before a woman has her period. Hormone changes can affect chemicals like serotonin that contribute to mood changes. Symptoms are often temporary such as feeling bloated, headaches, and chest pain. Depression and anxiety are sometimes also manifestations of this syndrome. Many people also have nausea, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
Women should record their menstrual cycle to track and recognize monthly symptoms. Supplement adequate vitamin C, vitamin B12, magnesium, protein, and fat to keep your body healthy. Some people with cramps, migraines or severe depression can take medication as directed by their doctor. During these days, women should communicate with relatives and friends, write a diary to relax.
Postpartum depression
This type of depression occurs after childbirth. Hormone fluctuations in the body cause the mother’s mood to change or cause symptoms of anxiety or depression. The patient may have difficulty sleeping, have suicidal thoughts, or feel unable to take care of themselves or their children. Difficulties in life that occur such as problems in relationships, lack of support from friends or family, can also make women more depressed during this time.
Premenopausal depression
Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation. At this stage, the ovaries have stopped working, the body produces less estrogen and progesterone. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, disrupted sleep, anxiety, depression…
Life events during perimenopause such as relationship problems and stress at work or family all increase the risk of depression. Eating a balanced diet and living a healthy life helps women proactively prevent unpleasant symptoms during menopause and improve quality of life. Avoid stress to reduce the release of hormones that aggravate menopausal symptoms.
Depression can also occur due to seasonal affective disorder, most commonly in winter due to an imbalance in brain chemicals such as serotonin or neurotransmitters. Other causes include thyroid problems, family history, loss of a loved one, ending of an intimate relationship, and prolonged illness.