When you’re dealing with life-disrupting conditions such as severe anxiety and depression, finding relief is likely your top priority. Therapies such as antidepressants are often the go-to solution, but a straightforward fix may not address the underlying issues. If your mental health needs support, consider talking to your healthcare practitioners about testing your hormone levels. Hormones play a critical role in mood and mental health regulation, and this is especially true for women. Here, we share more about this delicate balance. We also discuss how treatments such as ketamine infusion may aid your path toward wellness.
How Do Hormones Impact Mental Health?
There are many hormones produced by the endocrine system, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. When these hormones are out of sync, an individual may notice worrisome symptoms. Estrogen has several functions, including facilitating serotonergic transmission. Adequate levels of estrogen promote balanced mental health because this hormone is responsible for serotonin synthesis and decreasing serotonin reuptake. Since estrogen and serotonin go hand in hand, it’s not surprising that women taking this hormone often report improved mood.
Stress Affects Hormones
When you’re under excessive stress, it’s important to be aware that your hormone levels could become affected. The body’s response to stress can trigger numerous health problems, including a reduction in serotonin. In an effort to protect your body from a threat, glucocorticoids are produced. Cortisol is one example of a glucocorticoid, and aids your body in its ability to quickly access energy if needed in a fight or flight situation. However, excessive glucocorticoids can reduce serotonin and cause negative mood changes. If you’re unable to lower your stress levels through lifestyle changes or talk therapy, your healthcare practitioner may prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
The endocrine system is incredibly complex and has wide-ranging effects on the body. Stress and hormone levels are particularly linked in women, so it’s wise to have your hormones evaluated if you’ve been experiencing depression or anxiety. If you’ve already tried traditional therapies such as counseling and medication with little to no success, exploring the possibility of ketamine infusion may be an option. Ready to learn whether ketamine could become part of your treatment plan? We’d love to speak with you. Our practice was founded by doctors with extensive backgrounds in treating mood disorders. To start the process, reach out to our team for a consultation. We’ll discuss your history to determine if ketamine could be an option before creating a more detailed plan.
