Depression can arise at anytime for many reasons but when if happens suddenly without a recent event to point to, it should prompt a more in depth investigation. This may be even more pertinent if you are a women going through menopause. If you were diagnosed or feel more depressed since or around the time you hit menopause, research suggest a single genetic factor may be playing a critical role.
From the first menses in teenage years to the cessation of follicle formation, aka menopause, women experience cyclical hormonal and emotional 
fluctuations. With menopause the cessation of menses is also marked by a decline in hormone levels and sometimes mood too. Instead of emotional ups and downs there is often more of an emotional downturn. Not all women that go through menopause have this though. The menopausal period is often characterized by many unwanted symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, vaginal dryness, and mood changes like depression or anxiety. While these symptoms are not uncommon, some women do not experience any of these.
Of coarse, when menopausal symptoms do occur the first instinct by many doctors is to assume these are hormonal imbalance symptoms. With that the main focus on fixing the symptoms are hormones. However recent research has shown that a genetic abnormality in folate metabolism “MTHFR” (methyltetrahydrafolate reductase) may determine the occurrence and severity of depression among menopausal women.
The MTHFR and Depression Link
All of us produce neurotransmitters from prerequisite amino acids. These neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine play significant roles regulating our emotions. Reductions in neurotransmitter levels have been linked to poor sleep, low self-esteem, lack of motivation, and hopelessness. All of these symptoms are the hallmarks of depression (and sometimes menopause too).
The production of serotonin, dopamine ,and norepinephrine requires the presence of a molecule known as tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). The formation of this molecule depends on the availability of a methylated form of folate. Methylation of folate is achieved by an enzyme known as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Information for the production of MTHFR enzyme is coded on the MTHFR gene. Many alterations known as single neucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can occur to this gene. When SNPs are present, it results in deficiency in the enzyme activity. As a result there is less methylfolate, less BH4, and therefore less neurotransmitters.
Learn more on MTHFR Gene Mutation
Another mechanism linking MTHFR gene mutation and depression is abnormality in methionine metabolism. The conversion of homocysteine to methionine requires methylated folate. In the presence of MTHFR mutation, conversion of homocysteine to methionine cannot occur, leading to the accumulation of homocysteine. People with elevated level of homocysteine often develop many health problems including depression.
Research Links MTHFR and Menopausal Depression
In a research conducted by Slopien et al., 172 postmenopausal women were investigated for the presence of an MTHFR gene mutation. Eighty-three of them had features of depression while the remaining 89 did not. MTHFR mutations were more closely correlated in the postmenopausal women with depression. In the general population, those that have an MTHFR genetic abnormality, also have a higher chance of having a moderate to severe form of depression. The study therefore concluded that an abnormality in folate and methionine metabolism may be the cause of postmenopausal depression.1 The main culprit for this would be the presence MTHFR mutation.
If you are having sudden unexplained depression or fatigue after starting menopause keep this in mind. Sometimes hormones (or medications) are not enough and you should consider getting screened for an MTHFR gene mutation. Research suggests it is highly involved in depression and specifically menopausal depression. To get a better understating of the link of MTHFR to your specific health issues click below.
Reference
Słopien R, Jasniewicz K, Meczekalski B, Warenik-Szymankiewicz A, Lianeri M, Jagodziński P. Polymorphic variants of genes encoding MTHFR, MTR, and MTHFD1 and the risk of depression in postmenopausal women in Poland. Maturitas. 2008;61(3):252-255. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2008.08.002.
