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In PMS,Perimenopause & Menopause Estrogen is as good as an antidepressant without the side effects

Updated: Jun 14, 2024

There's a difference between clinical depression and hormonal depression. In hormonal depression, usually, anxiety, low mood and mood swings occur before a woman's menses and progressively get worse as menopause approaches.


Many women on antidepressants recall a life event that triggered depression and or anxiety. But some have no life triggers. Looking back, dips in mood may have been cyclical, i.e worse at certain times of the month, usually, this is premenstrual.


Estrogen plays a complex role in influencing neurotransmitters in the brain. It can impact neurotransmitter synthesis, release, and receptor sensitivity. Estrogen receptors are found throughout the brain, and its effects can vary depending on factors such as the specific brain region and the stage of the menstrual cycle.


Estrogen can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are involved in mood regulation, reward, and cognition.


For example, estrogen can enhance the activity of serotonin, which is often associated with feelings of well-being and happiness. It can also influence the density and functioning of dopamine receptors, which are linked to motivation and pleasure.


Changes in estrogen levels, such as those experienced during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, can lead to fluctuations in neurotransmitter activity. This may contribute to mood changes, cognitive shifts, and emotional responses that some individuals experience during these times.




 
 
 

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Welcome to Purity Health Women’s Menopause and Wellbeing Centre™

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At Purity Health, we believe in living life to the fullest. Dr Purity Menopause Clinic, in association with Samy Medical Group, is dedicated to providing safe, evidence based information and care in perimenopause, menopause, histamine related conditions, and metabolic health.

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We recognise that there are many myths and misunderstandings surrounding menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT. One commonly repeated belief is that oestrogen causes breast cancer. This is an oversimplification and does not reflect the full body of evidence.

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Here is the truth.

At Dr Purity Carr Menopause Clinic, we are committed to providing accurate information and personalised care.

Follow us on #drpuritycarr

Extensive evidence shows that for women within 10 years of menopause or under the age of 60, the benefits of HRT generally outweigh the risks.

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For women who start HRT during perimenopause or within 10 years of menopause, there is often no need to stop purely based on age. Ongoing use should be individualised and guided by clinical review.

Even for women who are further beyond menopause or over 60, starting HRT may still be considered under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner, with careful assessment of risks and benefits.

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A Broader Approach to Women’s Health

Dr Purity is a General Practitioner with a special interest in menopause care, taking a holistic, systems based approach to women’s health.

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In addition to menopause, her work now includes:

Hormone health, including perimenopause and menopause
Histamine related conditions, including suspected mast cell activation patterns
Metabolic health, including weight management, insulin resistance, and inflammation
The interaction between hormones, the immune system, and the nervous system

Many women experience symptoms that do not sit neatly within one system. Hormones do not operate in isolation. There is often an overlap between hormonal changes, histamine activity, and metabolic dysfunction. This integrated approach allows for a deeper understanding of symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep, weight gain, brain fog, and chronic inflammation.

 

Dr Purity’s Focus on Care

Dr Purity focuses specifically on menopause, histamine balance, and metabolic health. She works to identify underlying drivers of symptoms and supports women through evidence based, personalised care.

Please note that Dr Purity does not replace your general practitioner. The experienced doctors at Samy Medical, part of the same medical system as Purity Health, are available to manage your broader healthcare needs.

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