It is very common for women who are going through some type of hormonal change to experience sadness and hormonal depression. Hormone fluctuations and changes can be a factor in depression in puberty, pregnancy, after pregnancy (post-partum depression), perimenopause and menopause. 

Understanding that depression is not a weakness is a first step toward acceptance and treatment. In fact, depression is a very common experience, especially among women experiencing extreme hormonal changes.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 1 in 8 women develop hormonal depression at some point in life. Because women experience more hormonal changes then men, twice as many women as men struggle with depression at some point in their lives. Depression is most common in women between the ages of 25 and 44.

It is estimated that between 8% and 15% of women experiencing perimenopause and menopause feel emotions of sadness and depression. Hormonal changes along with an already full load of responsibilities with your family, work, finances, etc., on top of perimenopause and menopause can cause stress, frustration, and ultimately depression.

Hormonal imbalances in general can inhibit a woman’s body from managing stress and experiencing positive moods. It may help to look at the symptoms of depression before assuming you are in fact depressed. A general list of symptoms include:

• Ongoing low or depressed mood, sometimes showing up as irritability

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Significant change in appetite (up or down)

• Abnormal changes in sleep pattern (always sleeping or insomnia)

• Diminished ability to think or concentrate

• Loss of interest or pleasure in life

• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate excessive guilt

• Becoming indecisive or easily overwhelmed

• Thoughts of death and suicide

It can also make a difference to understand how we can help ourselves through depression. If you feel exhausted, helpless and hopeless, it can be extremely difficult to take any action to help yourself. But it may help to realize that these feelings are part of the depression and do not reflect actual circumstances. Here is a short list of steps you can take to help improve your mood:

• Engage in mild activity or exercise. Go for a walk, get some fresh air, work in the garden with flowers, something to lift the spirits.

• Set realistic goals for yourself and break up large tasks into small ones.

• It can help to confide in a trusted friend or relative.

• Keep a realistic expectations of the amount of time it might take for your mood to gradually improve. It won’t happen immediately, but steadily over time.

Knowing what hormones play a part in affecting depression is also a crucial step toward making a difference and feeling better. There are three basic hormones that can directly influence how we feel.

Estrogen

Low estrogen levels are often found in menopause and can cause feelings of hopelessness and sadness. Estrogen plays a part in boosting serotonin which promotes sleep. Estrogen also increases GABA, which raises endorphins and helps you to feel calm and a sense of well-being. If estrogen levels are low, it can create all sorts of imbalances with other needed hormones.

Progesterone:

Low progesterone can cause insomnia and irritable moods. Progesterone helps to balance estrogen, normalizes libido, and is a natural diuretic and antidepressant. Progesterone imbalance can also affect other hormones.

Cortisol:

Cortisol can cause hormonal depression if levels are too high or too low. High levels can create agitation, insomnia, and sugar cravings. Low levels contribute to extreme fatigue, mood swings and low libido.

Knowing what may be causing your hormonal depression is the first step toward taking action. Understanding how we can help ourselves as well as knowing where to seek help can also make a big difference. Our office provides an inviting and safe atmosphere to talk about your hormones and depression and how we can help with natural treatments and remedies.

*The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Never substitute, disregard, or delay seeking professional medical advice and assistance for any health or mental issue(s) you have or are concerned about because of something you have read.