Hormones are the chemical messengers within your body, influencing everything from your metabolism, sexual health, and growth, to your reproductive system functioning. Hormones can also impact your mental health due to their role in regulating mood and emotion.
The experienced team at ReNew Wellness in Gilbert, Arizona, is committed to ensuring the holistic well-being of our patients. We offer both hormone therapy to medically treat low blood hormone levels and mental health services.
Hormonal imbalances and mental health
Hormonal imbalances can lead to various physical symptoms, such as fatigue, weight gain, or disrupted sleep. However, these imbalances can also manifest as mental and emotional disturbances, such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, and cognitive issues.
Common hormonal issues related to mental health include:
Thyroid hormones
Disorders like hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) or hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid hormone) affect your metabolism and energy and impact your mood. Hypothyroidism has been linked to depression, sluggishness, and cognitive challenges, while hyperthyroidism is associated with anxiety, irritability, and nervousness.
Reproductive hormones
Reproductive hormonal fluctuations like estrogen and progesterone in women can contribute to mood disorders. It’s no coincidence that some women experience mood swings, depression, or anxiety during various stages of their menstrual cycle, postpartum period, or menopause. Similarly, men experiencing low testosterone might undergo mood disturbances or depression.
Stress hormones
Cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone, plays a crucial role in your fight-or-flight response. However, chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can lead to anxiety, depression, memory and concentration issues, and sleep disturbances.
Existing mental health conditions
While hormonal imbalances can lead to new mental health symptoms or disorders, they can also exacerbate existing mental health conditions. For instance, someone predisposed to anxiety might find their symptoms heightened during hormonal disruption.
Given this intricate connection between hormone imbalances and mental health disorders, it’s important to approach mental health care holistically, acknowledging the potential underlying hormonal contributors.
At Renew Wellness, we emphasize the importance of:
- Periodic hormonal assessments to detect imbalances
- Good lifestyle choices for diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management
- Personalized treatment plans including supplements, hormone replacement therapies, and medication
Recognizing and addressing any hormonal imbalances can help alleviate mental health symptoms. If you suspect you’re experiencing mental health issues related to hormonal imbalances and want more information on how we can support your journey to well-being, call our office or request an appointment online today.