Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reviewed recent research on the hormonal triggers underlying depression in women. Noting that females are twice as likely as men to experience unipolar depression, the authors examined how the female reproductive system interacts with the HPA-axis, which regulates the body's stress response, to set the biochemical stage for psychological disorders in women.1

Through the HPA-axis, stress exerts a powerful impact on a woman's reproductive hormones. This can dramatically disrupt her patterns of ovulation--causing amenorrhea and infertility in extreme cases. But it's a
two-way street. Because of various feedback mechanisms in the body,
fluctuations in sex hormone levels such as estradiol and progesterone also influence the secretion of important stress hormones. When this interplay becomes chronically imbalanced--during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause--behavior and mood disorders often increase dramatically. Depression, eating disorders, alcoholism or other addictions may occur with the estrogen-induced disruption of normal HPA function.

As with many of the body's physiological responses, balance is the key.
Overactivity of the body's stress system is associated with melancholia (anxiety, insomnia, loss of libido), while underactivity is linked to atypical depression (fatigue, lethargy, indifference). The investigators examined the role of stress and sex hormones in a group of women suffering from post-partum depression. They found that chronic hypersecretion of cortisol in pregnancy induces a temporary suppression of adrenal function soon after delivery, and, combined with the sudden drop in estrogen levels, may contribute to post-partum depression and subsequent immune dysfunction.

The Female Hormone Profile is a salivary analysis of the female hormones estradiol and progesterone over the complete course of a menstrual cycle. The comprehensive version includes assays of the adrenal
hormones cortisol and DHEA, for a more comprehensive assessment of how hormone activity may impacting depression and other disorders.

Resources:

1 Chrousos GP, Torpy DJ, Gold PW. Interactions between the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis and the Female Reproductive System: Clinical Implications.
Ann Int Med 1998;129(3):229-240.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.