Hormone replacement therapy and depression

Severe depletion in the level of hormones is regarded as a potential reason for depression. This is particularly true among those going through the stage of menopause. In this stage, both men and women experience a considerable depletion in hormones which manifest in the form of depression. The inadequacy of the same is met by the treatment called hormone replacement therapy. The same is also used for the treatment of depression. It is observed that when the level of estrogen hormone reduces, the level of neurotransmitters, especially serotonin also reduces considerably. This leads to depression as the sufficient presence of this chemical is responsible for maintaining stability in the mental equilibrium.

In the administration of hormone replacement therapy for treating the depression patients, a series of synthetic hormones are introduced through medicines. The body then treats these man-made hormones, especially synthetic estrogen as natural which consequently leads to elevation in serotonin level. Once the presence of this chemical is increased in the body, the person attains a moderate control over his mood swings and re-affirms an optimistic attitude towards life. Therefore, by increasing the level of estrogen, the hormone replacement therapy offers a potential cure for depression.