My work has led me to understand the complex hormonal changes that occur during midlife and have profound effects on both men and women.
For example, consider a middle-aged woman experiencing debilitating hot flashes and mood swings. Often dismissed as typical menopausal changes, these symptoms may actually indicate an underlying hormonal imbalance that requires targeted intervention.
Likewise, men struggling with low testosterone levels can face a variety of symptoms that affect their mental health, from fatigue to decreased libido.
Revealing the impact of misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosis is all too common when it comes to hormonal health in midlife.
For example, consider a man in his early 50s who continues to feel bad despite receiving treatment for depression. Upon closer examination, his symptoms appeared to be more related to hormonal imbalance.
Once appropriate interventions were implemented, his overall well-being improved significantly. This case highlights the need for increased awareness and advocacy for hormonal health in midlife.
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, mental illness is closely linked to physiological health. Hormonal imbalances can have a huge impact on mental health, but they are often overlooked due to psychological explanations. This highlights the importance of thorough evaluation and comprehensive hormonal testing to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
As highlighted by Dr Eda Gorbis, LMFT, recognizing the bidirectional relationship between physical and mental health is important to prevent misdiagnosis and promote overall wellbeing. In her own article “Hormones, Mental Health, and the Mind/Body Connection,” Gorbis explains this relationship through her experience with OCD patients who have low melatonin, high cortisol, and increased obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms, including: Anxiety during periods of high estrogen during the menstrual cycle.