Hormones + Mental Health: Are they related?

When your hormones are “off,” you might feel more depressed and anxious or have frequent mood swings. While it’s easy to chalk these mood changes up to your environment, stress, or anything else going on in your life, the truth is that there’s likely more at play.

Your endocrine system, a network of glands that produce hormones that help control various bodily functions, is extremely influential in regulating your mood, motivation, and stress response. It produces hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol, which are crucial in how we feel and respond to the world around us. When the endocrine system is out of balance, it can significantly impact our mental well-being.

This blog will address some of the most frequently asked questions about hormones and mental health.

What causes hormone imbalance?

Your endocrine system can become dysregulated at almost any stage in life from various causes. These imbalances happen naturally from puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause or from surgical procedures like hysterectomies that also significantly impact hormone levels.

What does a hormone imbalance look like for women?

Irregular hormone levels can manifest in various ways, making it essential to recognize the signs. For instance, low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep, can lead to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Women, in particular, may experience hormonal fluctuations during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause, which can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression than men, highlighting the importance of hormone regulation in mental health.

Other signs include irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, weight gain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, acne, hair loss, memory issues, breast changes, headaches, and bloating. Some women may experience a few of these symptoms, while others may experience several. It’s also important to note that while you might notice these symptoms, they aren’t always caused by hormone imbalance. Do your research and work with your healthcare provider to find out the root cause before making any assumptions!

What does a hormone imbalance look like for men?

Signs and symptoms of a hormone imbalance in men include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, weight gain, decreased muscle mass and strength, osteoporosis, depression, irritability, and mood swings, which can be indicative of low testosterone. High cortisol levels can lead to weight gain, insomnia, blood sugar imbalances, osteoporosis, memory impairment, and mood swings.

How are hormone imbalances diagnosed?

A healthcare professional can diagnose hormone imbalances through blood tests, physical examinations, and medical history evaluations. Blood tests can measure the levels of various hormones, such as testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), cortisol, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), to determine if they are within a healthy range. Physical examinations may include checks for signs of hormone-related conditions, such as acne, hair loss, or thyroid nodules. Providers, especially those who practice holistic healthcare, may ask questions about symptoms, lifestyle, and family medical history to inform their diagnosis further.

Are there things I can do at home to help balance my hormones?

Yes! Balancing your hormones isn’t isolated to a doctor’s office. After meeting with your provider, there are things you can do at home to help regulate your hormones. Here are some suggestions.

• Diet – Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed and sugary foods.
• Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out toxins and support hormone regulation.
• Exercise – Regular physical activity, such as yoga, walking, or weight training, can help reduce stress and support hormone balance.
• Stress Management – Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness to help manage cortisol levels.
• Sleep – Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help regulate hormones and support overall health.
• Supplements – Consider taking omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and vitamin D supplements to support hormone balance and overall health. However, always consult your doctor before adding new supplements to your routine.
• Herbal Teas – Certain herbal teas, such as peppermint, chamomile, and ginger, may help support hormone balance and reduce stress.

It’s important to note that these things do not replace medical treatments or medications but may be good lifestyle changes to help your hormone health. It’s important to consult a provider before adjusting your health routine, especially if you’ve already been diagnosed with a condition or are on medications.

What treatment options are there for hormone imbalances that impact my mental health?

Once a diagnosis is made, treatment options can be tailored to address the specific hormone imbalance. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be prescribed to supplement or replace deficient hormones, while medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs may be used to manage related symptoms. In some cases, lifestyle changes, such as diet modifications, stress management, and exercise, may also be recommended to support hormone regulation and overall health. Talk therapy is another way to help manage the mental health changes that sometimes come with hormone changes, too.

The psychiatric mental health and family nurse practitioners at Balance Psychiatric Services are trained in holistic health, meaning they look at the whole body rather than isolated symptoms. We thoroughly examine your mental and physical health before making treatment plans to ensure we provide the most appropriate and effective care possible.

The best part? You’re involved every step of the way. You know what it’s like to be in your body, so you should have an active voice and role in your treatment planning.

Schedule an appointment with one of our providers by calling 412-467-6410 to start working toward better health today. You can also visit our “Meet the Team” page to learn more about each of our clinicians and their specialties.