So that you can relate, I will give you a scenario that might help you understand the link of anxiety, panic attacks, and depression to hormone imbalance.
53 year old Sue suffered from anxiety and panic attacks and had been prescribed Valium, Effexor, and Wellbutrin throughout the years by her primary care doctor. This "mix" of medicines was causing side effects so she stopped taking them. (Thankfully not immediately which is never a good thing to do if you are taking antidepressants). A couple of years ago she went through menopause and started noticing that the anxiety attacks were precipitating hot flashes. Sue tested her hormones and it was obvious that her estrogen and progesterone was low. Her symptoms were promptly relieved with bio-identical hormone therapy. It wasn't enough just to do that though, Sue needed some vitamin and mineral guidance and was started on B12 and magnesium supplements along with some other menopause busting naturals to provide restoration and balance in the whole. Six weeks later she was sleeping better, her anxiety was virtually non-existent, and she reported better clarity of mind. Oh, and her night sweats and hot flashes had resolved as well. Sue was a new woman!
A study published in 2005 Menopause reported that anxiety is STRONGLY associated with menopausal hot flashes, and usually precedes the hot flash episode. Numerous articles summarize the medical literature showing that low estrogen and progesterone levels cause anxiety and depression in humans.
How does estrogen help? What is the mechanism?
Estrogen receptors have been found in the brain, and estrogen increases the expression of an enzyme called tryptophan hydroxylase-2. This enzyme converts tryptophan to SEROTONIN, an important neurotransmitter which has an anti-anxiety and calming effect in the brain. It also helps with mood stabilization and is the magic neurotransmitter that is restored through most prescription anti-depressants. Long story short, the serotonin can often be reestablished in the brain by using bio-identical hormones and natural supplements instead of heading directly into the medical chart with a diagnosis of depression and anxiety. Estrogen makes things happen in the brain.
How does progesterone help? Progesterone helps to stimulate the GABA receptor in the brain. It's a calming neurotransmitter and is always under suspicion by me when a person says they don't sleep well and they are anxious all the time. Progesterone also converts to estrogen which can provide an additional benefit in restoring states of estrogen deficiency.
Each person I meet is at a different stage in their life, they have different concerns and symptoms, and often need different approaches to their care. Whether it's a young woman struggling with horrible PMS, a "40 something" woman struggling with depression, or a post-menopausal woman struggling with anxiety, the approach is the same. They each need to have their hormones evaluated.
The testing is simple and affordable, can be done from your own home, and is strongly recommended if you can relate to any part of this post. I love helping people in this area of medicine, in case you haven't noticed.(smile) I also love helping myself, because hey, I'm an aging woman just like everyone else and I practice what I preach. I'm fielding calls from all over the U.S. these days which is exciting to see. Hormones are getting a lot of attention and I think we are turning the corner in the traditional healthcare model. Hopefully when you go in to discuss this with your personal physician, you will get the attention you deserve on this topic. A pat answer of "oh, you're just getting older" or "oh, everything is normal" should never be accepted when you know there is something more significant going on inside your body.
Please don't hesitate to call me or my staff if you want more information on how to test your hormones and how to get treated.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
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