Hello MOT family – this is Mallory, the naturopath here inside Moment of Truth Healing Space. My business is Arrowhead Integrative Medicine and I specialize in treating women, hormones and fertility. We’re talking about mental health this month so I wanted to share more about the role your hormones play in that!
The hormones in your body play an important role in energy levels, quality sleep, and overall mood. The endocrine system is a messenger system in your body that communicates via hormones. The hormones are released into your bloodstream where they “talk” to your different organs. Your hormones control everything from metabolism, energy, and stress response to fertility, sex drive and mood.
Cortisol is a hormone that is released by the adrenal glands, little glands that sit on top of your kidneys. This hormone helps your body respond to stress. Exposure to stress over prolonged periods of time can reduce your bodies ability to produce appropriate levels of cortisol, which can then lead to depression, anxiety, fatigue, and weight dysregulation.
Sex hormones can also have an effect on mood when they are either too high or too low. Progesterone levels, when too low, not only contribute to fertility struggles but also can cause depression, anxiety and irritability. Estrogen is essential for the production of serotonin and acts as an antidepressant in your body. Too little estrogen, which is common the week before your period and during menopause, is often associated with depressed mood. When you get the estrogen back up, which happens during the week of menstruation, your mood will rise with it. Some ways to support your mood through hormone health include having a set bedtime routine with an adequate amount of sleep each night, daily movement, daily sunshine exposure, and participating in activities that bring you joy. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or concerns about your mood, ask your provider about hormone imbalances that may be playing a role.
If you have any other questions or would like to speak with me directly, feel free to call me at 602-529-2795 or go to my website for more information. Here’s to HAPPY HORMONES!
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