Lots of women experience depression symptoms that seem to be connected with their menstrual cycle or hormonal shifts throughout their lifetime. This is not to say that mood swings or low moods, in general, are “just hormones.” However, hormones can have a very powerful effect on one’s overall emotional state.
Depression symptoms that seem to be influenced by your hormones can be frustrating to deal with. One day, your symptoms might seem mild and manageable, and a week later, you might feel like you’re crumbling. Why do women’s hormones affect their vulnerability to depression and the severity of their symptoms? Here are a few key reasons.
Menstrual Cycle Shifts
Throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle, her hormones gradually shift. At certain points, she might actually feel more energized and motivated because of her hormone levels. But a week or two later, a woman with depression might feel like she’s trapped in an emotional rut—and even the recognition that these feelings could be short-lived doesn’t necessarily stave them off.
It can be hard to cope with the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany the menstrual cycle, even if your hormone levels are healthy.
PMS Symptoms
Not every woman struggles with pre-menstrual syndrome, and even many women who do experience PMS symptoms have a relatively mild experience. But some women deal with severe PMS symptoms every month and feel rundown both mentally and physically.
Women might feel a sense of unshakeable sadness that persists until their period is over. They can also end up with symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, irritability, and physical discomfort like menstrual cramps. When these symptoms are piled on top of existing depression, it can be difficult just to get through the day.
Low Estrogen in Menopause
Women begin experiencing symptoms of perimenopause at different ages. But no matter how old you are when you notice these changes occurring, menopause is always characterized by a dramatic drop in estrogen. This significant shift in hormone levels can lead to depression.
A woman entering menopause might have trouble concentrating or struggle with persistent sadness or low moods. Even women who are not going through menopause can end up struggling with low estrogen.
Lack of Progesterone
Progesterone is another hormone that plays an important role in the female reproductive system and the menstrual cycle in general. It can also have a strong influence on your moods.
For example, healthy levels of progesterone help you fall asleep easily at night and stay calm under stressful circumstances. Basically, this particular hormone helps regulate your moods. What happens when progesterone is low? You might notice that your stress levels are much higher, and you may have trouble falling asleep.
Furthermore, you might realize that situations that you would have previously handled with ease are suddenly much more stressful and overwhelming.
Hormonal Imbalances
Sometimes, lifestyle factors can contribute to hormonal imbalances. This could include dietary choices, a lack of exercise or too much exercise, or an unhealthy sleep schedule. Some medical conditions, like endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or an under-active or overactive thyroid can also contribute to hormonal imbalances.
Furthermore, medications or supplements can affect your hormones, too. All of these issues can contribute to symptoms of depression. Women who are living with depression can benefit from talking to their doctor about their symptoms as well as a therapist. That way, they can look into underlying hormonal causes and create a treatment plan to address the roots of these symptoms.
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Are you struggling with symptoms of depression that might be connected to your hormones? Working with a therapist can help. Reach out to us to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.