Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone and Mood
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The content segments discuss the impact of sex hormones on mood and the underlying causes of mood disorders. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding these causes rather than solely relying on medications like SSRIs or benzodiazepines. Factors such as sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone), cortisol levels, and the HPA axis can influence neurotransmitter availability and balance, including serotonin, GABA, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The speaker outlines the objectives of the presentation, which include exploring the effects of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol on mood, identifying the causes of sex hormone imbalances, and discussing possible interventions.
Estrogen is linked to mood disruptions in women, such as PMS, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and postpartum depression. Hormone changes during various life stages can contribute to mood symptoms. The speaker discusses the case of Sally, who is not responding well to SSRIs, and suggests checking her sex hormone levels. Estrogen has various functions related to mood, including increasing serotonin and modifying the production and effects of endorphins.
Low estrogen can be caused by factors such as age, premature ovarian failure, hysterectomy, thyroid disorders, excessive exercise, and low-functioning pituitary gland. High estrogen can be influenced by leaky gut, thyroid dysfunction, processed food intake, stress, and pharmaceutical or drug use. Progesterone affects GABA receptors and can improve premenstrual anxiety. Chronic stress can lead to increased cortisol production, stealing from progesterone levels.
Reducing stress or cortisol levels can help with sex hormone imbalances and mood issues. Testosterone plays a role in mood by promoting well-being and self-confidence. Birth control pills can disrupt the estrogen-progesterone balance. Testosterone supplementation has shown improvements in learning and memory. Testosterone and cortisol control each other, and low testosterone can trigger symptoms such as anorexia, fatigue, and decreased libido.
Various factors can contribute to low testosterone and high estrogen levels, including obesity, insulin resistance, excessive masturbation, gut health, and endocrine disruptors. Stress sacrifices progesterone production, leading to estrogen dominance. Cortisol and testosterone have a negative relationship, and managing stress can help regulate the HPA axis.
Cortisol reduces sex hormone levels, and high cortisol levels can lead to low testosterone levels. Too much or too little estrogen or testosterone can contribute to anxiety or depression. Progesterone balances estrogen levels. Lifestyle factors such as stress, obesity, diabetes, and leaky gut can impact hormone levels. The potential connection between leaky gut and hormone-related issues is discussed, and hormone and thyroid testing is recommended.
Overall, understanding the impact of sex hormones and cortisol on mood and addressing lifestyle factors can help manage mood disorders and hormone imbalances.
The content segments discuss the impact of sex hormones on mood and the underlying causes of mood di