This new study links depression in middle aged and elderly women to an increase risk of strokes.  It also finds that use of anti-depressant medication is associated with increased stroke risk. Onset of depression increases during the menopausal years and, many times, anti-depressants are not the answer.  Addressing hormones and lifestyle factors can affect the root causes  of depression- so depression decreases and the risk of heart disease and strokes is reduced.