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Suggest Treatment For Depression Related To The Onset Of Menopause
Question: Would like an answer from a gynecologist. What do you recommend for depression related to the onset of menopause. I'm trying to avoid HRT, but really battle everyday with extreme mental fatigue, and some depression. The depression isn't everyday, but the extreme fatigue is the main issue.
Brief Answer:
AS BELOW
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
The following pointers will help, initiate them and see if they make a difference-
1. Are you overweight ? Losing weight is very beneficial.
2. Regular exercise regimen is a must. Incorporate yoga, deep breathing, pilates, stretching and other relaxational forms of exercise in addition to aerobic exercises, swimming, brisk walking and any sport you like to take up.
3. Cut down on alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugary processed foods - eating fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables plus soya and tofu will help.
4. Join any group activity - it could be knitting, volunteer work, simple zumba classes, anything - as long as it is a group, and preferably has your peers whom you can talk to and relate to.
5. Join self help groups that exist in your area or online forum for women experiencing similar problems
WHere do you reside , I might be able to suggest some .
6. If none of these work, you obviously need further steps. Consult a psychiatrist and start off with counselling / behavioural modifications sessions. If these dont work you can try short term anti depressants, however , like HRT, they are best avoided.
7. Get your calcium, Vitamin D3 , TSH levels checked - often these supplements are needed.
8. Travel - take breaks, indulge in long neglected hobbies, connect with friends and family , invest in a pet - small measures, but often go a long way in dealing with this phase of life.
9. The bottomline - this too, shall pass ! You just have to hang on, and accept it for what it is - a change, just like menarchae, and just as you have come so far, you will trump this too.
Take care.
Please feel free to discuss further.
AS BELOW
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
The following pointers will help, initiate them and see if they make a difference-
1. Are you overweight ? Losing weight is very beneficial.
2. Regular exercise regimen is a must. Incorporate yoga, deep breathing, pilates, stretching and other relaxational forms of exercise in addition to aerobic exercises, swimming, brisk walking and any sport you like to take up.
3. Cut down on alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugary processed foods - eating fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables plus soya and tofu will help.
4. Join any group activity - it could be knitting, volunteer work, simple zumba classes, anything - as long as it is a group, and preferably has your peers whom you can talk to and relate to.
5. Join self help groups that exist in your area or online forum for women experiencing similar problems
WHere do you reside , I might be able to suggest some .
6. If none of these work, you obviously need further steps. Consult a psychiatrist and start off with counselling / behavioural modifications sessions. If these dont work you can try short term anti depressants, however , like HRT, they are best avoided.
7. Get your calcium, Vitamin D3 , TSH levels checked - often these supplements are needed.
8. Travel - take breaks, indulge in long neglected hobbies, connect with friends and family , invest in a pet - small measures, but often go a long way in dealing with this phase of life.
9. The bottomline - this too, shall pass ! You just have to hang on, and accept it for what it is - a change, just like menarchae, and just as you have come so far, you will trump this too.
Take care.
Please feel free to discuss further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thank you! Your answers were very helpful. What do you recommend in the way of soya. I bough some "Silk" brand soy milk to make some protein smoothies. Or is the protein even necessary?
Also, I love #9, thanks for your encouragement!
Also, I love #9, thanks for your encouragement!
Brief Answer:
AS BELOW
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the appreciation !
You sound like a cheerful and positive soul, dont let this temporary phase bog you down at all !
Yes, soy milk, tofu etc are enough, protein smoothies will do you good, but the protein is not a must.
Take care.
AS BELOW
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the appreciation !
You sound like a cheerful and positive soul, dont let this temporary phase bog you down at all !
Yes, soy milk, tofu etc are enough, protein smoothies will do you good, but the protein is not a must.
Take care.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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