Understanding the Link Between Hormones and Mental Health

Hormones and mental health are closely linked, with hormonal imbalances often influencing mood, anxiety, and overall emotional well-being. Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen and progesterone can disrupt neurotransmitter function, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings, especially during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or other hormonal transitions. A naturopathic holistic approach that includes assessing and addressing hormonal health can significantly impact mental health, offering more sustainable improvements by targeting the root causes of hormonal disruptions. This approach often involves dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and natural therapies that support hormone balance, helping individuals manage mood and anxiety more effectively.How Hormone Changes Can Cause Anxiety and Depression During the Menstrual CycleHormones and moods during the menstrual cycle can greatly influence mental health, leading to conditions like PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which includes both physical and psychological symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, and mood swings. These symptoms typically occur two weeks before menstrual bleeding, affecting daily functioning. PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a more severe form, involving intense mood and physical symptoms. (1) Hormones and anxiety are also prevalent in peri- and post-menopausal women (2), highlighting how shifts in hormones, such as a decline in estrogen or a rise in progesterone, can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, GABA, and dopamine (3), ultimately influencing mood and mental health. Understanding hormone balance symptoms is key to managing these changes effectively.What is the Connection Between Hormones and Mental Health?A good way to determine whether hormones are affecting your mood symptoms is to track your symptoms along with your cycle. Hormones and moods during the menstrual cycle can significantly impact how you feel, and tracking your symptoms alongside your cycle can help identify patterns. There are many free apps out there [...]

By |2024-11-15T00:59:14-05:00January 28th, 2020|Hormone Health, Mental Clarity, Mind Body Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, ND Editorial, Nutrition, Post Natal Care, Self Care, Sexual Health, Women's Wellness|Comments Off on Understanding the Link Between Hormones and Mental Health

The Damiana Chocolate Love Liquor Recipe

By Dr. Kathleen Regan, NDI’ve always loved working with herbal medicine, especially when it offers a chance to combine health with pleasure. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I wanted to share something playful yet rooted in tradition—a delicious damiana chocolate liqueur. This blend features cacao, rose petals, and damiana, a plant historically used as an aphrodisiac to enhance connection and mood. It’s a taste-forward treat you can prepare in advance and pour straight from the jar on your next date night. Adapted by one of my favourite herbalists, Rosemary Gladstar, in her Family Herbal book.The main medicinal ingredient is ‘Damiana’, a herb known to relieve anxiety, improve libido, and treat erectile dysfunction or even female impotence. These traditional uses align closely with the principles of Naturopathic Medicine, which supports the body’s natural ability to heal through plant-based remedies and holistic care.1 Ounce of Damiana Leaves2 Cups of Brandy1.5 Cups of Spring Water1 Cup of HoneyVanilla ExtractAlmond ExtractRose WaterChocolate Syrup […]

By |2025-05-27T02:37:12-04:00February 4th, 2016|Nutrition, Sexual Health|Comments Off on The Damiana Chocolate Love Liquor Recipe
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