4 keys to DEPRESSION
Hormonal changes aren’t only reason women get the blues
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. Depression can occur at any age. Some mood changes and depressed feelings occur with normal hormonal changes. But hormonal changes alone don’t cause depression. Other biological factors, inherited traits, and personal life circumstances and experiences are associated with a higher risk of depression. Here’s what contributes to depression in women.
Puberty
Hormone changes during puberty may increase some girls’ risk of developing depression. However, temporary mood swings related to fluctuating hormones during puberty are normal — these changes alone don’t cause depression.
Puberty is often associated with other experiences that can play a role in depression, such as:
■ Emerging sexuality and identity issues
■ Conflicts with parents
■ Increasing pressure to achieve in school, sports or other areas of life
After puberty, depression rates are higher in females than in males. Because girls typically reach puberty before boys do, they’re more likely to develop depression at an earlier age than boys are. This depression gender gap lasts until after menopause.
Premenstrual problems
For most females with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), symptoms such as abdominal bloating, breast tenderness,