The doctor talked about the risk of depression in menopausal women

The menopause period, which occurs around the age of 45 to 55, marks not only the end of the reproductive period, but also causes a profound restructuring of the entire body, which significantly increases the risk of emotional disorders. Irina Krashkina, a psychotherapist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic), Candidate of Medical Sciences, told Izvestia on September 3 about the relationship between menopause and the development of depressive states in women.

She explained that a sharp decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels is becoming a key factor affecting the mental state. These hormones play a key role in regulating the work of neurotransmitters responsible for emotional stability and resistance to stress.

"The imbalance of serotonin and dopamine leads to mood instability, increased irritability and anxiety. An additional aggravating factor is the body's increased sensitivity to stress due to hormonal changes, as well as insomnia, which often accompanies the menopausal period," Krashkina said.

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A feature of depressive states during this period is their ability to disguise themselves as various bodily symptoms. Patients can go to doctors complaining of chronic fatigue, headaches and muscle pain, while medical examinations do not reveal serious organic disorders. These physical manifestations often conceal mental exhaustion. Emotional symptoms include a feeling of inner emptiness, loss of interest in previously significant activities, difficulty concentrating, as well as changes in appetite and weight.

To reduce the risk of developing depressive states, the doctor recommends an integrated approach, including regular physical activity, which helps to normalize sleep and improve mood; a balanced diet with an emphasis on foods rich in omega-3 acids and B vitamins; adherence to sleep patterns and the use of psychological practices such as meditation and breathing exercises. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy may be indicated, but the decision to prescribe it is made strictly individually after a competent assessment of the patient's health status.

The most important aspect of successfully overcoming this transition period is psychological support from loved ones, participation in specialized support groups and timely seeking professional medical help. As Krashkin noted, menopause is a natural stage of a woman's life, which, with proper support, can become not a crisis, but a new point of personal growth.

On August 18, Irina Vasilyeva, head of the Mammology clinic at the European Medical Center (EMC), told Izvestia the main myths about breast cancer. According to the expert, the most dangerous myth about breast cancer is the belief that if there are no symptoms or lumps, then everything is fine.

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