This document discusses hormonal imbalances in women and their effects. It notes that depression is more prevalent in females, especially during fertile periods, highlighting the relationship between hormones and mental health. Common hormonal imbalances like PCOS and perimenopause can cause physical and psychological symptoms. Imbalances are linked to issues like brain fog, sleep problems, mental health risks, and certain health conditions. The document outlines treatments including medication, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies to help restore balance.

1. HORMONAL IMBALANCE
IN WOMEN
Kaba Fathum.A,
II M.Sc Biochemistry,
V.V.V college for women,
Virudhunagar,
Tamil Nadu.

2. Introduction:
Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and
social well-being and not merely the absence of disease
or infirmity.
Depression is a mental disorder, with different
classifications which have as main symptoms, persistent
sadness, lack of interest, lack of pleasure, etc.
Hormone: A chemical substance produced in the body
that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or
organs.
The main hormones associated with depression are
corticotrophin, cortisol, estrogen, progesterone and
thyroid hormone.

3.  World Health Organization (WHO) defines
depression as a common mental disorder, which
similar to the other depressive disturbances.
Depression is more prevalent in females.
 According to a study carried out in 23 European
countries, the depressive disorder is twice higher in
women compared to men, reaching them mainly in the
fertile periods .
 This enhances the relation between hormonal
variation and depression, since this is more
common in females who undergo constant
hormonal influences due to the menstrual cycle.

5.  Hormone imbalance can debilitate women.
 There are various forms of hormonal imbalance, the most
common ones being oestrogen (or estrogen) dominance and
low testosterone levels.
 These imbalances impact the body physically in numerous ways, but
their psychological symptoms, present various mental disorders and
their symptoms.

6. IMBALANCED SECRETION OF FEMALE
HORMONES AFFECTS THE FOLLOWING
FUNCTIONS:

7. Polycystic ovarian
syndrome (PCOS ):
 Polycystic ovarian syndrome
(PCOS) often causes clusters of
small, pearl-sized fluid-filled
cysts that contain immature eggs
to grow in the ovaries.
 Women with PCOS typically
produce higher amounts of the
male hormone androgen.
 PCOS is a hormonal disorder
characterised by a set of
symptoms;
Irregular menstrual cycle,
Excessive body or facial hair,
Infertility Thinning hair ,Weight
problems and Skin problems.

8. Brain fog :
 It is a commonly reported symptom with many potential
underlying causes.
 Women after menopause report more memory complaints and
difficulty concentrating than premenopausal women.
 Declining estrogen levels may be to blame, but other factors may
play a role. Perimenopausal and post-menopausal women have
increased depression.
 These, in turn, may contribute to brain fog. If declining estrogen
levels are to blame, hormone therapy may offer some relief and
restore hormonal balance.

9. Hormone Problems That
Start in the Brain:
 The hypothalamus is the portion of the brain that lies near
the pituitary gland.
 It helps regulate hormone secretion in various parts of the
body, controlling functions like body temperature, mood,
hunger, thirst, sleep, fatigue, etc.
 Dysfunction of the hypothalamus may produce many
symptoms depending on which hormone systems are
affected.
 If the hypothalamus is malfunctioning due to the presence
of a tumor, treating the tumor may provide relief.

10. Exacerbation of Mental Health
Problems :
 Estrogen is believed to have a protective
effect on the brain. It appears to
positively impact brain chemicals
(neurotransmitters), cognition, and the
ability to withstand stress.
 Dropping estrogen levels appear to be
associated with an increased risk of
psychosis.
 Results of preliminary research suggests
selective estrogen receptor modulators
(SERMs) may improve cognition and
other symptoms in women who have
psychiatric disorders.
 They may even reduce the frequency
of manic episodes in women who
have bipolar disorder. However, these
drugs are not without potential risks.

11. Increased Risk of
Sleep Apnea :
 The risk of obstructive sleep
apnea (OSA) increases in
women during and after
menopause.
 Obstructive sleep apnea is a
serious condition that causes
people to stop breathing
repeatedly during sleep.
 OSA occurs when muscles in
the throat relax and block the
airway during sleep.

12. Treatment:
 Treatment options for women with
hormone imbalances include;
 Hormone replacement
medications:Medications are available
to temporarily reduce severe symptoms
associated with menopause, such as
night sweats.
 Eflornithine (Vaniqa) : This
prescription cream may slow excessive
facial hair growth in women.
 Anti-androgen
medications: Medications that block the
predominately male-sex hormone
androgen can help limit severe acne and
excessive hair growth.

13. Clomiphene (Clomid) : These medications
help stimulate ovulation in people with
PCOS who are trying to become pregnant.
Assisted reproductive technology: In vitro
fertilization (IVF) may be used to help
those with PCOS complications get
pregnant.
Treatment options for anyone with
hormonal imbalances include:
Metformin: A medication for type 2
diabetes, metformin can help manage or
lower blood sugar levels.
Levothyroxine:Medications containing
levothyroxine, such as Synthroid and
Levothroid, can help improve symptoms of
hypothyroidism.

14. Natural remedies:
 Lifestyle changes that may help reduce
the likelihood and symptoms of
hormonal imbalances include:
 eating a nutritious and balanced diet.
 exercising regularly.
 using over-the-counter acne washes,
rinses, and medicated creams or gels
for minor to moderate acne.
 practicing yoga, meditation, or guided
visualization.
 limiting sugary foods and
refined carbohydrates.
 avoiding packaged foods.

15. Conclusion:
 Compared with studies performed in
the 1800s and to some extent the
1940s and 1950s, recent trials of
reproductive endocrine therapies in
mood disorders in women.
 FDA-approved bio-identical
hormones are available; however,
these preparations may also be
compounded individually.
 Future studies should be directed to
better identify both the clinical
predictors and the physiological
mechanisms of the psychotropic
efficacy of reproductive therapies.