Antidepressants Now Considered a Menopause Solution?

By Claire Andrews

Women transitioning into menopause may well feel depressed. Addressing the transition psychologically can be uncomfortable and distressing in more ways than one. Menopause makes a clear statement of the fact that women’s child-bearing years are ending. It also draws attention to the aging process, and blatantly reminds women that they have reached a half way point in their lifecycles.

Many women see advantages to menopause such as a reduced risk of unplanned pregnancy and freedom from monthly menstruation. But even women with a positive outlook can quickly become depressed as menopause symptoms surface. Hot flashes, insomnia, headaches, and fatigue can all cause stress as well as discomfort for menopausal women. So can a host of other possible symptoms. It’s hard to imagine not being depressed at such a challenging, uncomfortable time!

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may offer some relief, but many women wonder at what cost? Studies indicate an increased risk for blood clots, certain cancers and other diseases with long term use of hormones. As women balk at HRT, what’s a doctor’s next alternative?

A Safe HRT Alternative?

Many physicians now prescribe antidepressants as a menopause solution. Paxil, Prozac and Effexor are fast becoming the new menopause medication choice for many doctors. Not only do antidepressants relieve symptoms of treatment, they are unofficially prescribed as “off-label” remedies for hot flashes. Sound too good to be true? Perhaps it is.

Before long term studies of HRT were undertaken, doctors believed they were the “wonder drugs” for menopause. It was believed they safely alleviated symptoms of hormonal imbalance and reduced the risk of women developing osteoporosis and heart disease in the process. Nearly 60 years later, we now know HRT presents serious and real health risks, in particular with long term use. What do studies on long-term usage of antidepressants indicate?

Unlike with HRT studies, results for long term antidepressant use are currently inconclusive. But links between antidepressant use and the development of cancer, gastrointestinal bleeding and Alzheimer’s disease certainly raise some questions.

Side Effects or Symptoms?

The known side effects of antidepressants also seem to indicate they may do more harm than good as a menopause solution. Antidepressants commonly cause weight gain, fatigue, anxiety and insomnia. A decrease in libido (sexual desire) commonly accompanies treatment with many of the most popular antidepressants. Could the known side effects of antidepressants more closely mirror many of the most uncomfortable symptoms of menopause?

Just as HRT requires careful consideration as a menopause solution, so too do antidepressants. For women that are severely depressed or have been diagnosed as such prior to menopause, antidepressants may be the best treatment option. But for women with no history of depression who become depressed in reaction to symptoms, another menopause solution should perhaps be considered and explored.

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