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Treatment for Hormonal Depression in Women

According to the Mayo Clinic, depression is more common in women than men. Hormonal imbalances in one factor that may increase the likelihood that a women will suffer from depression.

  1. Hormonal Changes

    • Women experience hormonal changes throughout their lifetimes. Hormones are affected by puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and by the onset of menopause.

    Female Hormones

    • The two female hormones that have the most effect on a woman's mood are estrogen and progesterone. When these hormones become imbalanced, they may affect serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood.

    Types of Depression

    • Types of depression that my affect women are major depression, premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and postpartum depression.

    Depression Symptoms

    • Symptoms of depression may include hopelessness, overwhelming sadness, crying, difficulty focusing, trouble making decisions, irritability, restlessness, fatigue, feeling of worthlessness, disinterest in sex, unexplained body pain and suicidal thoughts.

    Treatment

    • Common treatments for depression include therapy and antidepressant medications. Medications and dosages may have to be adjusted several times.

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