26 Oct How to Optimize Hormones to Improve Mental Health

Hormonal imbalances can be responsible for many health issues, but one often overlooked is poor mental health. A number of maladies, including depression, anxiety and intense stress, can arise when hormones like cortisol, testosterone and estrogen are out of whack. 

The Anxiety & Depression Association of America said in an article published in May 2023 that patients struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms were often found to have higher cortisol levels. While hormones are not entirely to blame for complex mental health syndromes, the health association said one of its patient’s OCD symptoms decreased by around 67% while undergoing hormone therapy. 

Higher levels of estrogen have also been found to increase anxiety levels, while lower levels of progesterone, a hormone that mitigates anxious feelings, can let anxiety disorders flourish. 

A 2020 peer-reviewed study published in Spandidos Publications even found that higher levels of cortisol and an imbalance in testosterone can accompany aggressive behaviors in various mental disorders, including bipolar disorder and depression. 

These hormonal imbalances can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from new medications to thyroid disease to menopause. 

There are many lifestyle choices to help balance hormone levels. Sleep is one of the most essential pieces to a healthy hormone balance, as a poor night of sleep can spike cortisol levels in the morning and disrupt the release of estrogen and progesterone. 

Exercising regularly is another great way to naturally balance hormones and lessen the chance of poor mental health, as exercise helps naturally release cortisol and adrenaline and keep the levels of the two hormones lower, leading to decreased stress.

Lastly, making a few dietary tweaks could promote gut health and, in turn, regulate hormones like insulin. Eating healthier fats, like avocado and olive oil, and more fiber-rich foods, like oatmeal and leafy greens while minimizing added sugars helps foster a healthy gut microbiome.