Women 18 to 45 years of age make up the largest proportion of the 10-14 million sufferers of depression world-wide; clinical depression affects two to three times as many women as men. There are links between mood changes and reproductive health. One can see the difference in depression incidence rates between men and women starting when women enter puberty and until late middle age. Premenstrual mood and behaviour changes are seen in 20-40% of women, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder effects two to ten percent of women. This disorder is characterized by severely impaired behaviour and mood changes. Perinatal and postnatal depressions are also associated with reproductive health. While there are the ‘baby blues’ that many women experience after giving birth, the more serious postpartum depression which affects 8 - 15% of women usually peaks three to six months after delivery. Women who have experienced postpartum blues are more likely to experience postpartum depression. Some common symptoms of postpartum depression include:

•    Constant fatigue
•    Lack of joy in life
•    Sense of emotional numbness or feeling trapped
•    Withdrawal from family and friends
•    Lack of concern for oneself or the baby
•    Severe insomnia
•    Excessive concern/anxiety for her baby
•    Loss of sexual interest or responsiveness
•    A strong sense of failure and inadequacy
•    High expectations and an over demanding attitude
•    Difficulty making sense of things
 

These symptoms are more intense and longer lasting than those of the blues. If symptoms persist longer than two weeks a health professional should be contacted.