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[Depression and climacteric. Clinical and neuroendocrinological aspects]
1Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile.
Revista Medica De Chile
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Menopause is linked to depressive symptoms due to neurochemical changes, not a distinct depressive disorder. Treatment may involve antidepressants and hormonal substitution for estrogen deficit.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Psychiatry
Context:
- Menopause is a natural biological transition associated with various clinical symptoms.
- Depressive symptoms are frequently reported during the menopausal transition (climacteric).
Purpose:
- To review the clinical and neuroendocrine evidence linking depression with menopause.
- To explore the role of gonadal steroids in mood regulation during this period.
Summary:
- While menopause is associated with depressive symptoms, these do not constitute a distinct depressive entity.
- Depression during climacteric is hypothesized to result from dysregulation of brain noradrenergic and serotoninergic systems.
- Gonadal steroids influence neurotransmission and mood, suggesting a mechanism for mood changes during menopause.
Impact:
- Depression appearing during the climacteric period requires treatment with antidepressants.
- Hormonal substitution therapy may alleviate depressive symptoms linked to estrogen deficit.