Menopause comes with a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and in some cases, depression. While there are several remedies available for these side effects, depression is especially challenging to address. One option for treating this is hormone therapy.
If you are interested, Dr. Edward Jacobson can help you understand what to expect with the procedure. He is here to partner with you in determining which HRT is best for depression and how to get started with treatment.
Menopause is a time of transition for the body, and its production of the two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, starts to decline. HRT involves taking either one of these hormones in supplemental form to balance out what the body has stopped producing. In many cases, this helps alleviate unpleasant symptoms that occur during menopause.
Estrogen hormone therapy has been shown to help treat symptoms of menopause, including depression. Estrogen typically comes in the form of synthetic hormone therapy or low-dose vaginal products.
Synthetic estrogen can be a pill, skin patch, ring, gel, cream, or spray. It often contains a higher dose of estrogen that is absorbed throughout the body. Low-dose vaginal products are taken in cream, tablet or ring form. They typically involve lower amounts of estrogen and are often used to treat the vaginal and urinary symptoms of menopause rather than symptoms like depression.
Over the years, research has found a link between estrogen, serotonin, and mood disorders like depression. Several studies have found that hormone therapy may benefit people who are experiencing symptoms of depression and have been screened for common risk factors.
Oral contraceptive pills may be prescribed in early-late perimenopause, and HRT may be prescribed for late perimenopause-menopause. Estrogen replacement therapy alone is not approved to treat perimenopausal depression. However, studies have found that it does have antidepressant effects, especially for those suffering from symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and night sweats.
Hormone therapy may work well for some people experiencing depression as part of menopause. Still, it is important to thoroughly discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor to see if it is the best fit for your unique needs.
Dr. Jacobson will ensure you understand the treatment and feel confident about the process if you move forward. You are not in this process alone, and he can help you determine if hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, talk therapy, or other treatments may be the best option for managing your depression symptoms.
If you are interested in managing your depression with hormone therapy, Dr. Jacobson can offer an in-depth overview of the process. He is dedicated to helping you feel great, and can answer questions concerning HRT for depression. Get in touch today to learn more.
