Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap

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Depression can occur at any age and occurs in both men and women. Women suffer from depression twice as often as men. Several factors can increase the risk of depression in women.

1. What causes depression in women?

Women are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression as men. Some mood swings and feelings of depression occur with normal hormonal changes.
But hormonal changes alone do not cause depression. Other biological factors, genetics, personal circumstances and life experiences are associated with a higher risk of depression.
Here's what contributes to depression in women.
1.1. Puberty: Hormonal changes during puberty may increase the risk of depression in some girls. However, temporary mood changes associated with hormone fluctuations during puberty are normal, but these changes alone do not cause depression.
Puberty is often associated with other experiences that can play a role in depression, such as:
Emerging instinct and sexuality problems. Conflict with parents Increased pressure to achieve in school, sports or other areas of life. After puberty, the rate of depression is higher in girls than in boys. Because girls often hit puberty before boys, they are more likely to experience depression at an earlier age than boys. There is evidence to suggest that this depressive gender gap can continue throughout life.
1.2. Premenstrual problems For most women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, anxiety, irritability, and experiencing nausea are mild and only mild. short-lived.
But a small number of women have symptoms that are severe and disrupt their studies, work, relationships or other areas of their lives. At that point, PMS can turn into premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a type of depression that often needs treatment.
The exact interaction between depression and PMS is still unclear. It's possible that cyclical changes involving estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones can disrupt the function of brain chemicals like serotonin that control mood. Genetic traits, life experiences and other factors seem to play a role.

1.3. Pregnancy Significant hormonal changes occur during pregnancy and these changes can affect mood. Other problems can also increase the risk of developing depression during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant, such as:
Lifestyle or work changes or other life stressors relationship issues Previous episodes of depression, postpartum depression, or PMDD Lack of social support Unplanned pregnancy Miscarriage Dryness Stopping antidepressants 1.4. Postpartum depression Many new mothers feel sad, angry, irritable, and soon after giving birth, they often experience bouts of crying in their babies. These sensations are sometimes called the baby blues and this is normal and usually subsides within a week or two.
But feelings of depression that are more severe or persistent could be a sign of postpartum depression, especially if signs and symptoms include:
Crying more often than usual Low self-esteem or feeling like you're a bad mother Worrying or feeling numb Difficulty sleeping, even when your baby is sleeping Problems with daily activities Inability to care for your baby Thoughts of harming your baby Suicidal thoughts Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition that requires prompt treatment. It occurs in about 10 to 15% of women. It is thought to be related to:
Major hormonal fluctuations that affect mood. Responsibility for the care of the newborn. Predisposition to mood disorders and anxiety. Pregnancy and childbirth complications. Breastfeeding problems. Complications or special needs of the infant. Poor social support.

1.5. Depression in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women The risk of depression in women can increase with the transition to menopause, a period known as perimenopause, when hormone levels can fluctuate wildly. The risk of depression may also increase during early menopause or after menopause, both times when estrogen levels drop significantly.
Most women who experience unpleasant symptoms of menopause are not depressed. These factors can increase the risk of depression in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women:
Disrupted or poor sleep Anxiety or a history of depression Stressful life events Weight gain or gain body mass index (BMI) Young menopause Early menopause due to oophorectomy 1.6. Lifestyle and culture The higher prevalence of depression in women is not solely due to biology. Other factors such as living circumstances and stressors and culture may also play a role. Although these stressors also occur in men, it is usually at a lower rate. Factors that may increase the risk of depression in women include:
Power and unequal status: Women are more likely to live in poverty than men, raising concerns such as uncertainty future certainty and reduced access to community and health care resources. These problems can cause negative feelings, low self-esteem, and lack of control over your life. Work overload: Often women work outside and still take on responsibilities at home. Many women face the challenges of single parenthood, such as working multiple jobs to earn a living. In addition, women can take care of their children while also taking care of sick or older family members. Sexual or physical abuse: Women who experienced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse as children or as adults are more likely to experience depression at some point in their lives than those who were not abused . Women are more likely to be sexually abused than men.

2. Other conditions associated with depression in women

Women with depression often have other mental health conditions that also need treatment, such as:
Anxiety: Anxiety often co-occurs with depression in women. Eating disorders: There is a strong link between depression in women and eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Drug or alcohol abuse: Some women with depression also have some form of unhealthy substance use or dependence. Substance abuse can make depression worse and more difficult to treat.

3. Recognize depression in women and seek treatment

Although depression can seem difficult to treat, there is effective treatment. Even major depression can often be treated successfully. Seek help if you have any signs and symptoms of depression, such as:
Persistent feelings of sadness, guilt or hopelessness. Losing interest in things you used to love. Significant changes in the way you sleep, such as difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much. Unexplained fatigue or pain or other physical symptoms of unknown cause. Problems concentrating or remembering things. Changes in appetite leading to significant weight loss or weight gain. Physical pain. Feeling as if life isn't worth living, or having suicidal thoughts. Do you think you have depression and are not sure how to get treatment? First, discuss your condition with the doctor treating you: your family doctor, internist, obstetrician, or gynecologist. If needed, your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating depression.
Remember, depression is common and treatable. If you think you're depressed, don't hesitate to seek help.
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Reference source: mayoclinic.org