“I prepared everything the night before, but the thought of being late for work still makes me anxious.” –Sue from Ohio
“It’s been hard to focus on my work. My thoughts are scattered, and I am not making the best decisions.” –Jill from New York City
“I can’t get through a day without breaking down and crying, even if nothing is wrong.” –Dani from San Francisco
Does this sound familiar? If so, your hormones might be out of balance or you could be suffering from a mental health disorder like anxiety, bipolar disorder or depression.
Mental health is definitely something you don’t want to ignore, especially since one in eight middle-aged women in the U.S. suffer from depression. Trying to figure out whether you have a hormonal issue or mental health disorder can be difficult because symptoms for both can be similar.
Belmar Pharma Solutions is here to help you find some answers and help support you on your journey!
What Is The Definition Of Mental Health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is our mood, thoughts and behaviors as we deal with the daily stresses of life. Mental health disorders include:
- Anxiety
- Behavioral
- Eating
- Mental health and substance abuse
- Mood
- Personality
- Psychotic
- Trauma and stress-related
Hormones and Mental Health: What’s the Connection?
Hormones and mental health are most definitely connected. When your hormones are switching gears on you, you may experience symptoms associated with mood disorders like:
- Anxiety
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Panic attacks
And here is some interesting news: researchers found that menopause was associated with increased bipolar and depressive symptoms. But that’s not all, studies also show up to 23% of peri- and postmenopausal women experience changes in mood. And did you know that the following anxiety symptoms are reported more frequently during perimenopause (which normally occurs in a woman’s 40s) that before it?
- Nervousness
- Panic
- Tension
- Worry
What’s the Difference Between Hormonal Imbalance and Mental Disorders?
The main difference between hormonal imbalance and mental health disorders is their underlying causes. In the case of hormonal imbalances, fluctuations are caused by hormonal changes beyond your control, such as those associated with menopause. Mental health conditions are triggered by chemical imbalances in your brain that can be treated with medication and therapy.
What Hormonal Imbalances Can Cause Mental Health Disorder Symptoms?
Four hormones can cause mental disorder symptoms when they’re out of balance.
- Estrogen – Imbalances can cause symptoms like depression, feelings of sadness, stress and depression
- Progesterone – Imbalance can lead to feelings of anxiety, brain fog, depression, insomnia and irritability
- Testosterone – Imbalance can bring on symptoms like anxiety, depression, fatigue, lack of motivation and trouble concentrating
- Thyroid – Imbalance can result in symptoms like anxiety, irritability, restlessness and unusual nervousness
How Can I Find Relief?
To distinguish hormonal imbalances from mood disorders, it’s important to consult with a doctor right away. They can perform blood tests and hormonal assessments to get to the root of the problem.
If symptoms are related to a hormonal balance, compounding pharmacies like Belmar Pharma Solutions offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to help put hormones back into balance. BHRT uses “bioidentical hormones” to supplement the body’s natural supply when it’s not producing enough on its own. The formulation of compounded bioidentical hormones can be customized to fit your needs. Great news because one study suggests that hormone therapy can help ward off depressive symptoms in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
The connection between hormones and mental health is real. If you’ve been down lately or feeling like life is more of a struggle than it used to be, you should talk to your doctor about what’s happening right away. Your hormonal and mental wellbeing depend on it. We want you to feel your best!
If You Know Someone in Crisis
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential.
- https://www.belmarpharmasolutions.com/patients/treatable-conditions/womens-health/menopause-treatments/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/chemical-imbalance-in-the-brain
- https://www.sane.org/information-stories/the-sane-blog/wellbeing/does-menopause-affect-mental-health
- https://www.belmarpharmasolutions.com/clinicians/treatment-options/progesterone/
- https://www.belmarpharmasolutions.com/clinicians/treatment-options/testosterone/
- https://www.belmarpharmasolutions.com/clinicians/treatment-options/thyroid-hormone-replacement/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/expert-answers/thyroid-disease/faq-20058228
- https://www.belmarpharmasolutions.com/patients/benefits-of-compounding/what-are-compounding-pharmacies/
- https://www.belmarpharmasolutions.com/about-us/
- https://www.belmarpharmasolutions.com/patients/treatable-conditions/womens-health/bhrt-for-women/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/when-the-arrival-of-menopause-brings-symptoms-of-depression
- https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/recognizing-symptoms
