Articles
Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap
Content
Puberty
Premenstrual problems
Pregnancy
Postpartum depression
Perimenopause and menopause
Life circumstances and culture
Other conditions that occur with depression
Recognizing depression and seeking treatment
Pregnancy
Dramatic hormonal changes occur during pregnancy, and these can affect mood. Other issues also may increase the risk of developing depression during pregnancy or during attempts to become pregnant, such as:
- Lifestyle or work changes or other life stressors
- Relationship problems
- Previous episodes of depression, postpartum depression or PMDD
- Lack of social support
- Unintended or unwanted pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Infertility
- Stopping use of antidepressant medications
