How Low Hormone Levels May Effect Anxiety

DISCLAIMER   ** The information below was originally provided by BioTE, it was information provided to Dr. Sachdev via a BioTE physician educational newsletter, it has been modified sightly to post on our blog for our patients education.  This information was NOT originally authored by Dr. Sachdev.

Mood, Anxiousness, & Hormone Balance

Particularly in times of stress, an imbalance of the body's stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol can cause a variety of emotional symptoms, including low mood, anxiousness, moodiness, jitteriness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Imbalances in estrogen and testosterone may affect a person's  emotional state.

Low estrogen, in particular, may be misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, bipolar, or other mental health disorders. Estrogen can increase serotonin and beta-endorphins, which are associated with positive mood states. Decreased levels of estrogen have been associated with panic attacks, low mood, anxiousness, and mood swings. Replacing the estrogen that is being lost and returning it to normal levels may relieve the emotional symptoms of hormone imbalance and restore better health.

While the relationship between estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and mental health are well known, the impact of thyroid hormone on emotional well-being is equally important. Hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid becomes overactive, can cause low mood, anxiousness, and panic attacks.