Why Are Some Women More Prone To Depression

Fluctuations in hormones due to the menstrual cycle and or an earlier menopause makes women more vulnerable to the risk of depression, according to a new study. The duration of estrogen exposure during a menstrual cycle and menopause was related with a reduced risk of depression. The main aim of the study was to find out why certain women become more prone to depression when all are subjected to hormonal changes. Earlier studies focussed on the reproductive hormones for the cause of depression, but this recent research focussed on the effect of estradiol, the predominant estrogen present during the reproductive years.

"Women are more vulnerable to depressive symptoms during and after the menopause transition because of fluctuating hormone changes," says Dr JoAnn Pinkerton, executive director of the North American Menopause Society. "This study additionally found a higher risk for depression in those with earlier menopause, fewer menstrual cycles over lifespan, or more frequent hot flashes. Women and their providers need to recognize symptoms of depression such as mood changes, loss of pleasure, changes in weight or sleep, fatigue, feeling worthless, being unable to make decisions, or feeling persistently sad and take appropriate action."

A major point which came up was that the longer duration of exposure to estradiol was related to reduced risk of depression. Another factor which was linked to a reduced risk of depression was the duration of birth control. The longer the duration, the risk was more reduced.

The fluctuation of estradiol is no new discovery but the duration of the exposure has become an important factor in determining the vulnerability towards depression. The research was conducted on 1300 regularly menstruating premenopausal women who were aged between 42 and 52.

Also read: A Solution To All Your Menopause Problems