Hormones
Hormones play a very important role in many different aspects of our health and wellbeing. From sleep cycles to reproduction, and stress levels to energy levels, optimal hormone levels can be the determining factor in a good day or a bad day.
Testosterone and Depression
Specifically, imbalanced testosterone can cause symptoms of fatigue, mood swings, and poor cognitive function. In conventional medicine today, most doctors might attribute these symptoms to depression and simply prescribe an antidepressant to the symptomatic patient. However, if low testosterone is the underlying cause of fatigue, mood swings, and poor cognitive function, then an SSRI will have little to no effect on these symptoms. This could be a reason why SSRIs have a relatively low success rate.
Causes of Low Testosterone
Many factors can contribute to low testosterone, including our worsening diets, sedentary lifestyles, and the enormous amounts of toxins we encounter daily. Sometimes, testosterone levels can be improved with lifestyle interventions alone. However, hormone replacement therapy might be required for some individuals to feel their best. Both men and women need testosterone in their bodies to thrive. Even though women have much smaller amounts than men, it is still a vital hormone for everyone to feel their best.
Optimizing Hormones
So, before heading to the doctor’s office for a prescription for an SSRI, consider whether your symptoms could be stemming from a hormonal imbalance. Addressing the issue at its core, rather than just masking symptoms with a pill, could be the key to optimizing your health.
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