Women's Day 2023: Women of reproductive age can suffer from depression due to hormonal shifts, stress, lifestyle changes, relationship problems and lack of social support, among others. In order to take care of reproductive health, women must not only focus on the physical aspects, but also on the emotional, behavioural and social aspects.
This is because the different stages a woman goes through during her reproductive years can affect her mental health.
Causes of depression in women of reproductive age
Hormonal shifts during puberty, premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy and perimenopause can lead to depression, according to experts.
Perimenopause refers to the period "around menopause" and the time during which the body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years, according to Mayo Clinic.
Also known as menopausal transition, perimenopause is a physical and emotional roller coaster for women, because it is associated with symptoms triggered by hormonal shifts, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. These symptoms include insomnia, depression, hot flashes and mood fluctuations.
Premenstrual syndrome has a wide variety of symptoms including mood swings, tender breasts, fatigue, food cravings, irritability, abdominal bloating, headache, anxiety and depression, and is experienced by three of every four menstruating women, according to Mayo Clinic.
“Hormone changes during puberty may increase some girls' risk of developing depression. Premenstrual syndrome occurs due to cyclical changes in oestrogen, progesterone and other hormones, which can disrupt the function of brain chemicals such as serotonin that control mood,” Dr. Manju Wali, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, tells ABP Live.
Drastic hormonal changes also occur during pregnancy, and these can lead to depression.
“During pregnancy, issues such as lifestyle or work changes, previous episodes of depression, or postpartum depression, and lack of social support can trigger depression,” says Dr Wali.
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Continuous failed attempts at getting pregnant can also result in depression.
“Life stressors, relationship problems and difficulty getting pregnant can lead to depression,” Dr. Akta Bajaj, Senior Consultant and Head – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, tells ABP Live.
If a woman has an unwanted pregnancy, is infertile, or has a miscarriage, her mental health could be severely affected.
“If a woman is unable to maintain balance between her professional and personal life, and strives to be perfect in each field, but is unable to do so, she might become depressed,” Dr Mithee Bhanot, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Apollo 24|7, and Apollo Hospitals, Sector-26, Noida, tells ABP Live.
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Stressful emotional events following childbirth and substance abuse issues could also trigger depression in women.
“Women of reproductive age can suffer from depression due to stressful emotional events following childbirth or due to the overuse of alcohol or drugs,” Dr. Indrani Salunkhe, Gynaecologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, tells ABP Live.
Women should not shy away from expressing their emotions or seeking medical help if they feel depressed.
“If a woman believes she has depression, she can feel better with the aid of treatments or therapy. Consulting a doctor is a small first step,” Dr Rashmi Baliyan, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Primus Super Speciality Hospital, tells ABP Live.
Women’s Day messages from female doctors
It is crucial for women to give utmost importance to their health and accept themselves the way they are. Speaking to ABP Live, experts have encouraged women to love themselves and speak up against gender discrimination.
“As an important influencer of society, I would like to ask women to prioritise their health and also indulge in self love and care,” says Dr Salunkhe.
“You are complete however you are! A healthy woman leads to a healthy family and a healthy society,” says Dr Bhanot.
“Women's Day is an occasion to honour those who have been at the vanguard of the fight against gender discrimination and inequities in legal, civil, and human rights as well as those who have lost their lives or freedom in the process. It serves as a warning that we need to step up our efforts and mobilise our efforts to support the empowerment of women at all levels and across all spheres of society,” says Dr Baliyan.
“Women’s day is the celebration of the spirit of womanhood across the globe and acknowledgement of their contributions to society every day. My message on this day would be to encourage women to empower themselves with the knowledge to take care of their mental and physical well being and maintain work-life balance,” says Dr Bajaj.
“Women's Day is an opportunity to remember that gender equality is a human rights issue,” says Dr Wali.