Key Points
- Depression and dizziness are symptoms you may experience as a result of perimenopause.
- In some cases, you may need to seek the help of a mental health professional to deal with perimenopausal depression.
- Always keep your doctor informed about your perimenopausal symptoms, and let them know if they become unbearable.
Perimenopause symptoms beginning with D are:
Depression
Depression in perimenopause is a significant change in mood for an extended period of time, usually displayed through withdrawal, reoccurring and unexplained sadness, loss of interest in usual activities, sleep issues, and/or loss of appetite.
Women who have suffered from postpartum or premenstrual depression are more likely to have symptoms of depression during perimenopause. Women who have a tendency toward depression and have suffered from previous depression are more at risk for depression during perimenopause.
Dizziness, light-headedness, loss of balance, headache change (increase or decrease)
Dizziness is a feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness or spinning. It is also the inability to maintain balance upon standing or walking. Because dizziness is a symptom of numerous different medical conditions besides perimenopause, see your doctor if you experience it. Dizziness or headaches alone are not a reason to think you have perimenopause.
Managing Perimenopausal Depression and Dizziness
If you have perimenopausal depression or dizziness, there are ways you can deal with it.
Regarding perimenopausal depression, seeking help from a mental health professional is advisable. They can provide you with counseling as you progress through this stage in your life. It may be necessary for you to go on antidepressants, if your depression drastically affects your quality of life or ability to perform day-to-day tasks. If your performance in work is suffering due to your perimenopausal depression, antidepressants can help.
Perimenopausal dizziness can be quite annoying or frustrating to deal with. It may make certain tasks difficult. One simple way to alleviate dizziness is to stand up slowly. It might be tempting sometimes to rush to get up, but take it slow. In addition, avoid amusement park rides. These could prove to be a trigger for dizziness.
Take care of any anxiety you might have. A 2018 study found that anxiety is associated with perimenopausal dizziness. By alleviating any anxiety you're experiencing, you may find that your perimenopausal dizziness improves or goes away.
As always, keep your doctor informed of any new symptoms. If you experience a severe decline in your quality of life due to these symptoms, your doctor may be able to help. There are treatment options for depression, or for perimenopause if you find that you can't live with it any longer.
Perimenopause Symptoms A to Z
Perimenopause Information
The information in this article should not be taken as professional medical advice. Moms Who Think is not responsible for the consequences that may arise as a result of your decisions regarding medical matters. It is your responsibility to do your own research, and to verify any information you read on the Internet. Always consult a medical professional before making any health decisions.