Taking care of our mental health can be tricky… particularly when we don’t understand why we feel up one day and down the next.
It can be incredibly frustrating and confusing. And it can make it impossible to plan for the next day, let alone the future.
If you’ve ever felt like this — like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster — know that you’re not alone. Tens of millions of people deal with mental health issues every year.
But what they may not realize is that the cause may be hormonal. There’s a clear link between hormones and mental health.
Which Hormones Affect Your Mental Health?
Hormones are the body’s messaging system. They circulate in the bloodstream to help manage mood, growth, digestion, and more.
But sometimes, this messaging system doesn’t work perfectly. And that’s when emotional upheaval can kick in.
Here are some key hormones that affect your mental state:
- Cortisol is also called the “stress hormone” that the body releases in response to stressful situations. This stress response is necessary in the short term. But if high levels of cortisol remain over long periods, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.
- Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) control how fast your body uses energy. Too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) can lead to depression, and too much (hyperthyroidism) can cause anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
- Estrogen interacts with neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine. When balanced, estrogen enhances mood and emotional stability. If estrogen is out of balance, you have mood swings and irritability.
- Progesterone can have a calming effect on the brain, improving sleep and reducing anxiety and stress. Fluctuations in progesterone levels can contribute to mood swings and depression.
- Testosterone is linked to mood regulation, energy levels, and libido. Low testosterone levels can cause fatigue, depression, and decreased cognitive function.
Spotting the Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
How do you know if your hormones might be out of balance? Here are some clues:
- Persistent mood swings without an obvious reason
- Feeling depressed or anxious
- Worrying a lot or feeling nervous
- Getting upset or angry easily
- Feeling exhausted
- Having trouble sleeping
- Eating a lot more or a lot less or weight changes
- Finding it hard to focus
- Forgetting things
- Not feeling interested in activities you usually like
Remember, other things like stress, how you live your day-to-day life, and different health issues can cause these problems, too.
That’s why it’s key to figure out the exact reason you’re feeling this way… so we can treat the real problem.
We Can Help Get Your Hormones in Balance
Dealing with these feelings can be really hard, especially when it feels like you’re fighting against yourself.
If hormones are the culprits, it’s like trying to calm a storm without knowing where the wind is coming from.
But there’s good news: understanding and treating hormonal imbalances can help.
At Renewed Vitality, we use Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) to help restore hormone balance — naturally.
BHRT uses hormones that are just like the ones your body makes. We look closely at what your body needs and create a plan just for you based on comprehensive lab testing.
This plan can not only get your moods in check, but it can also put you on the road to a healthier, happier, and younger-feeling life.
What Can You Do to Support Your Mental Health?
Additional things you can do right now to help get off that emotional roller coaster include:
- Eating Right: Eat a variety of whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and healthy fats. Foods with omega-3s, like some fish and nuts, can make you feel better and fight inflammation.
- Staying Active: Regular exercise can help regulate important hormones, such as insulin, cortisol, and mood-affecting hormones. Moving more can make you happier and less stressed.
- Getting Enough Sleep: Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Not sleeping enough can affect hormones that control your stress levels and hunger.
- Handling Stress: Meditation, yoga, breathing deeply, and focusing on the present can lower your stress by regulating cortisol levels.
Your Next Steps
Feeling better starts with understanding what’s happening inside you. If your mood swings seem too much to handle alone, it might be your hormones asking for help.
We are here to listen, understand, and help you find your balance.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator for a complimentary consultation. She will answer your questions and provide more information about our providers, protocols, and fees. If you decide we are a good fit for you, she can also book your first appointment. You are not obligated to book an appointment.
Please call to learn more or complete the form below, and we will contact you. We would love to hear from you!