Depression and Fatigue 05-04-2006 Enhancing female vitality Understanding some of the causes Depression and Fatigue encompasses a range of symptoms, which at times may be quite debilitating. Sleep disturbances, headaches, changes in appetite, feelings of worthlessness and fatigue are all part of the spectrum comprising depression, with women twice as likely to suffer from depression than men and in the Western world this problem affects 20 per cent of the female population. Just why depression is more common in women than men has been the subject of much research. Although we have come a long way in balancing gender expected differences in behaviour, men are still socialised by acting out and being aggressive, while women are encouraged to repress their feelings. Men are more likely to commit acts of violence or resort to alcoholism while women have a tendency to develop chronic anxiety and depression. The adrenal gland, which mobilises the body’s resources during times of stress by secreting a hormone called cortisol, appears to be exquisitely sensitive to oestrogen. Evidence has come to light that oestrogen not only increases cortisol secretion but also prevents cortisol’s ability to shut down its own secretion. This results in a more protracted stress response ultimately exhausting the adrenals. This notion is reinforced by the reality that for many professional women who have a family the working day does not end at 5pm as it does for many men. The hormone melatonin might also be linked with depression. There is a condition called ‘seasonal affective disorder’ that occurs in cold climates. During this time, there is more exposure to darkness and a greater production of melatonin leading to a higher incidence of depression. A recent study has shown that women produce more melatonin in winter than men. Serotonin, a brain chemical which alleviates depression, is synthesised in greater amounts in men. Although the biochemical dice appear to be stacked against women there are natural ways to increase serotonin and boost your adrenals. As far as fatigue is concerned, sugar imbalances, adrenals which have been depleted by excessive caffeine consumption and a liver which has to deal with a toxic load all play their part. Diet Eating complex carbohydrates such as raw fruit, vegetables, brown rice and legumes increases serotonin and helps to prevent depression. This type of diet also prevents the dramatic swings in blood sugar which are so detrimental to the adrenal glands. Having a diet high in protein such as soy products and fish leads to the formation of brain chemicals that have a more calming and relaxing effect. Soy is rich in phytoestrogens which may block the pronounced stimulating effect that oestrogen has on the adrenals. Saturated fat, refined sugar, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods are harmful to the adrenals, liver and brain and consumption of these to excess will result in fatigue and depression. Tests A useful new way of testing for those hormones produced by the adrenals such as cortisol and DHEA is by doing salivary assays. This gives a far more accurate assessment of free hormone levels that are the active components of your hormones. Nutritional supplements and herbal remedies Taking supplements of vitamin B6, zinc and magnesium will increase serotonin. Additional B vitamins if necessary in the form of injections will improve energy levels and enhance adrenal and brain function. The herbs licorice and Siberian ginseng have a tonic effect on the adrenals while St John’s wort has been found to be very effective in milder forms of depression. Central themes of these conditions: Having a diet high in protein such as soy products and fish leads to the formation of brain chemicals that have a more calming and relaxing effect…. The Well Woman | Acne | Eczema | Premenstrual Syndrome | Depression and Fatigue | The Well Woman Summary