Whilst it is completely normal that everyone has moments that they feel low or down, especially if they are dealing with difficult circumstances or events, it is important to make the distinction between this and depression. The latter is a condition which requires appropriate treatment and is a state of ongoing low mood irrespective of circumstances that can lead to feelings of pessimism, despair and an inability to cope. Those who suffer from depression find that it often affects many areas of their lives, interfering with their ability to work, sleep, eat well and enjoy activities which they would otherwise find fun or pleasurable.
What Are The Symptoms of Depression
Symptoms of depression are often hard to spot but it is important to look out for these in yourself or anyone you feel might be struggling to cope. Symptoms include:
- Depressed mood lasting longer than two weeks
- Diminished interest or pleasure in favourite activities
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Feeling restless or agitated
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feeling worthless
- Anxiety
- Guilt
- Reduced concentration
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
How Are Hormones Related To Depression?
Hormonal imbalance is a major contributor to mood disorders and therefore balancing hormone levels can be used to help treat these too. Human beings go through a huge number of hormonal fluctuations throughout our lives, for instance during puberty, pregnancy or menopause. It is easy to understand that these fluctuations, possibly leading to imbalances, may contribute to ‘low mood’ or depression. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and cortisol play a significant role in mood behaviour. Estrogen can improve your mood by supporting serotonin levels in the brain. Progesterone can alleviate mood swings, irritability, and depression, having an overall calming effect on a person. Testosterone is an uplifting hormone and helps with a person’s sense of well-being and confidence.
Hormonal imbalances leading to mood swings may also be caused by premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
How Do We Treat Depression or Depressive Moods with BHRT?
At the Marion Gluck Clinic, we see many patients who have been diagnosed as being depressed and are looking to find out whether there is an underlying hormonal imbalance to explain their change in mood.
Hormonal imbalance is a major contributor to mood disorders. We go through many hormonal fluctuations in our lives, especially during puberty, pregnancy, the postnatal period and the menopause. It is easy to understand that these fluctuations, possibly leading to imbalances, may contribute to ‘low mood’ or depression.
In order to treat someone suffering from depression using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy at the Marion Gluck Clinic, we take a full patient history and look at the full picture, this includes appropriate tests to discover whether a hormone imbalance could indeed be the cause of a patient’s depression. If this is diagnosed as being the case, a bespoke treatment plan of bioidentical hormones can then be prescribed along with appropriate support and participation from the patient.
Book An Appointment Today
The Marion Gluck Clinic is a leading private medical clinic based in London. Start your journey back to optimal health by booking a consultation with one of our expert doctors. To book, please call our Patient Care Team on 020 7191 2378, email secretary@mariongluckclinic.com or use our book an appointment form.
Once you have submitted your booking enquiry, a Patient Care Advisor will be in touch within 24 hours to arrange your consultation. Please note that there may be a waiting time for your preferred doctor.