Can Hormones Cause Depression? What Are The Hormones Behind
Depression? What Hormones Are Responsible For Menopause In Women?
Some Hormone Supplements For Men And Hormone Dysfunction Risks
Associated.
The endocrine system of the human body is the sole master of the
hormones flowing through the body. It comprises of small glands
located in the body, which produce hormones and release them into
the bloodstream. The hormones thus released by the glands are
responsible for regulation of processes like sexual development and
reaction to stress. These are the hormones
causing depression too.
Studies show that a lot of people who are undergoing depression have
disturbed hormonal levels in their blood in spite of having healthy
endocrine glands. It is also believed that such irregularities in
hormones causing depression may have a relation to some depression
symptoms including problems concerning to appetite as well as
sleeping as the hormones causing depression play an important part
in such activities. Further clues concerned with the role of
hormones causing depression lies in the
fact that the people suffering from particular endocrine conditions
sometimes suffer from depression, and some people who are depressed
suffer from endocrine disorders despite possessing healthy glands.
Hormones behind depression
There are many hormones causing depression.
The relationship between hormones causing depression in women
includes:
Estrogen: It is responsible for boosting
serotonin levels in the body, which helps in fighting depression
and promoting sleep. Low levels of estrogen often caused by
menopause can lead to feelings of hopelessness and sadness.
Progesterone: This hormone aids in balancing
estrogen amounts in the body, helps in promoting sleep and
creates a natural soothing effect. It also enhances female
libido and is a naturally curing diuretic. Abnormal levels of
progesterone cause insomnia and contribute to bad mood swings.
Cortisol: This hormone amongst one of the
hormones causing depression is
exclusively related to stress and can prove to be a leading
factor causing depression if its levels rise too high or fall
far beyond average. High amounts of cortisol can lead to
agitation, increase in belly fat, sugar cravings and insomnia.
However, low levels can be associated with extreme fatigue, low
libido, inability in handling stress and instability in mood.
Hormones and menopause
Like stress, depression is also one of the symptoms of menopause.
The hormones causing depression are also associated with menopause
and Perimenopause that inhibits the body from stress management and
experience of positive moods.
The following listed hormones are believed to be partially
responsible for menopause and a woman's sex desire:
Estrogen-being the primary hormone in a female, it helps in
regulating the menstrual cycle, controlling the growth of female
sexual organs, and thickening of the lining of the uterus for
supporting pregnancy. As a female reaches her menopause, called
as Perimenopause, the estrogen levels start decreasing
dramatically. A point comes when estrogen production is so low
that the lining of the uterus stop thickening that is when
menopause occurs. Being one of the
hormones causing depression, this might also lead to
vaginal dryness that can cause a painful intercourse along with
experiencing unstable sleep patterns and mood.
Testosterone-this is a primary male hormone that is produced and
significant for a woman too. The ovaries in women naturally
produce the testosterone hormone, which is useful in making
estrogen. Testosterone levels are found to naturally decrease in
women post menopause, hence it can be considered as a
contributor in reducing the sexual response and arousal that
often occurs in older women.
Progesterone-similar to estrogen, progesterone is also a female
hormone that is helpful in controlling the menstrual cycle and
supporting pregnancy. Progesterone levels also reduce when a
woman reaches menopause. This also plays a key role in the list
of hormones causing depression
especially in women.
Hormone supplements for men
Testosterone- Both the adrenal gland as well as the testes release
testosterone into the blood of men. This steroid is responsible for
the development of male characteristics like hair growth and muscle
development. Several supplements for increasing the testosterone
levels are available in the market today for men.
Growth Hormone- This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland in
pulses throughout the day. This substance plays a key role in the
process of healing.
Melatonin- Manufactured by the pineal gland, melatonin is secreted
during the night hours. This hormone affects the biological timing
of the human body, which also include the sleeping-waking up cycle.
Hormone dysfunction risks associated
Hormonal imbalance along with the hormones
causing depression can lead to heart disease, osteoporosis
and even cancer. When the thought of hormone imbalance arises,
symptoms such as fatigue, cramps, night sweats and mood swings comes
to the mind. However, what you may not realize is that hormonal
imbalance when extended over a period of time can cause serious long
term health disorders, some of which can be life taking.
