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Womens
Health
Depression
and Fatigue
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….
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Summary
Bondi
Family Health Centre
Phone 02 9365 1333
Int: 612 9365 1333
260a Bondi Road
Bondi NSW 2066
AUSTRALIA
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