Depression
Depression is an illness that affects the body, mood, and thoughts. Women tend to suffer from depression about twice as often as men. Some people describe depression as an "empty, or sad feeling that won't go away." This kind of depression that does not go away is called "clinical depression." It is different from feeling "blue" or down for a few hours or a couple of days.(3) It is related to chemical changes and imbalances in the brain. To take a depression assessment, click here.
Causes
Unfortunately, it is not fully known what exactly causes clinical depression. There are numerous theories about causes such as biological and genetic factors, environmental influences, and childhood or developmental events. However, it is believed that clinical depression is most often caused by the influence of more than just one or two factors.
The minerals copper and zinc are important for enzyme function and may be related to depression. Each enzyme has a specific function and is enhanced by specific vitamin and mineral cofactors. Copper and zinc are involved in brain cell enzymes that regulate mood and reaction to stress. According to Dr. Ellen Grant, long-term exposure to excessive estrogen and progestins can lead to imbalance of zinc and copper which may result in wild mood swings, PMS rage, over-reaction to stress and depression. Excess estrogen and progestin impair the cell membrane, but natural progesterone restores normal balance.
Most women who suffer from estrogen dominance also have other symptoms and conditions that complicate the diagnosis and treatment of depression. For example a woman who is chronically fatigued, and has endometriosis, may become depressed as she continually battles symptoms and attempts to manage mood swings.
Depression can run in families. If one or more of your blood relatives have experienced depression, the chances of you suffering are increased.
Changes in your brain chemistry such as an imbalance of neurotransmitters (serotonin and norepinephriine) is one biological cause of depression. Deficiency in serotonin may cause sleep problems, irritability, and anxiety. Deficiency in norepinephrine may cause fatigue and the depressed mood of the illness.
Living through painful and difficult events in your life can cause depression. Examples are:
Being neglected/abused
Traumatic experiences
Loss of job
Death of loved one
Serious financial problem
Prolonged, high-level stress
Sometimes depression is caused by certain medications people take for cancer, arthritis, heart problems, and high blood pressure. (3)
Symptoms
People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency and duration of symptoms will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness.
Symptoms include:
• Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
• Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating, or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment (4)
Treatment Options
Progesterone Cream
For many women, natural bioidentical progesterone cream provides significant relief from symptoms related to shifts in the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is known that trans-dermal application allows for easier absorption because with any oral medication or supplement, the passage through the liver, and the health and state of the colon, can compromise its effectiveness. Natural bioidentical progesterone provides a safe, pleasant and efficient way to help the body help itself, the way nature intended.
For younger women, such imbalances are often associated with PMS or endometriosis, PCOS and bring on symptoms such as irritability, breast tenderness, bloating, water retention, weight gain and pelvic pain. (1) Again, the use of natural bioidentical progesterone cream balances these hormones easing some symptoms of depression.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can be delivered by a variety of mental health professionals, including psychotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, counselors, and psychiatric nurses. With more complex and chronic forms of depression the most effective treatment is often considered to be a combination of medication and psychotherapy. In people under 18, medication is offered only in conjunction with psychotherapy, not as a first line agent. (2)
Medications
To find the most effective pharmaceutical treatment, the dosages of antidepressants must often be adjusted, or different medications and combinations tried. It may take anywhere from three to eight weeks after the start of medication before its therapeutic effects can be fully discovered. (2) There are many different medicines that doctors may prescribe for depression. Consult a doctor on which medication is right for your treatment. Click here for a list of various medications that may be used. (5) also, familiarize yourself with the side effects of the various pharmaceutical options.
Works Cited:
(1) Copyright 2003 Women Living Naturally - http://www.womenlivingnaturally.com
(2) wikipedia.org source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_treatment
(3) womenshealth.gov
(4) National Institute of Mental Health, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
(5) About.com
Back to Symptoms and Conditions