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.

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.