Perimenopause, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts: Are Hormones to Blame?

WE NEED TO START TAKING WOMEN’S HORMONAL MENTAL HEALTH SERIOUSLY BEFORE MORE LIVES ARE LOST!

Research has found that approximately 1 in 6 women seeking care for perimenopause or menopause reported thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Let that sink in. ONE IN SIX.

We have known for decades that estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone play important roles in brain function, mood regulation, and emotional well-being. Yet women are still being told their symptoms are simply anxiety, depression, or something they need to learn to live with.

Hormonal changes can begin years before menopause, sometimes as early as our 20's and 30s.

And here's something that should have EVERY healthcare provider paying attention.

A recent study involving 957 women attending a menopause clinic found a 92% reduction in reported suicidal thoughts among those experiencing them at baseline after receiving treatment, which included hormone therapy. Women receiving estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone together experienced some of the greatest improvements in overall psychological symptoms.

While this observational research does not prove hormone therapy alone caused these improvements, the findings deserve serious attention!

And this conversation goes FAR beyond menopause.

Women experiencing PMDD, severe PMS, postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, endometriosis, and PCOS can also experience significant mental health challenges associated with hormonal changes, sensitivities, or imbalances.

Not every mental health symptom is caused by hormones. But shouldn't we be investigating hormonal health instead of overlooking it?

Antidepressants, psychiatric medications, and mental health care absolutely have their place and can be lifesaving. But hormonal health deserves a place in the conversation, too.

We need more education for gynecologists, primary care providers, psychiatrists, and mental health professionals.

We need to stop separating women's hormonal health from their mental health.

And most importantly, we need to LISTEN when women tell us something is wrong.

Because this isn't just about hot flashes, night sweats, or low libido.

THIS IS ABOUT WOMEN'S LIVES.

It's time we start treating it that way.

At Glow Health and Wellness, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Our office is in Destin, FL, and patients in Florida and Alabama can be seen either in office or via telehealth. Whether you're just beginning to notice changes or seeking advanced management, contact us to reclaim your glow.