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Depression in women

Women are nearly twice as likely as men to have depression. Many common causes of depression are the same for men and women. But there are also some depression causes that are unique to women. Scroll on to learn about a few of them.

PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER (PMDD)

This is a more intense (and less common) form of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which can occur in the weeks before menstruation. The mental health symptoms caused by PMDD can be severe and may include depression, anger, sadness and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms tend to fade within a few days of menstruation—but it's still important to work with your doctor to manage them.

PREGNANCY

Pregnancy-related causes of depression can include:

• Hormone changes during and after pregnancy.
• Trouble getting pregnant.
• The loss of a pregnancy.

MENOPAUSE

Fluctuations in reproductive hormones during the years leading to menopause can increase the risk for depression.

DIFFERENCES IN HOW THE BODY RESPONDS TO STRESS

Chronic stress can trigger depression, and a woman's body produces more stress hormones than a man's. This difference in how the body responds to stress can make women more likely to develop depression as a result of their stress.

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