Effects Of Hormones & Vitamin Anxiety Treatment

What is the Mechanism of Action Of Estrogen in Eliminating Anxiety and Depression?

Estrogen receptors have been found in the brain, and estrogen increases the expression of an enzyme in the brain called tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2). This enzyme converts tryptophan to serotonin, an important neurotransmitter responsible for an anti-anxiety and calming effect in the brain. These estrogen receptors have been isolated to specific areas of the brain call the DRN, or the dorsal raphe nuclei.

Estrogen Effective for Perimenopausal Depression

A study published in the 2001 Archives of General Psychiatry evaluated bioidentical estrogen as treatment for peri-menopausal depression. They evaluated fifty women ages 40-55 years, suffering from a depressive disorder and irregular menstrual periods (FSH >25 IU/L). These women were treated with bioidentical estrogen or placebo over 12-weeks. Remission of depression was observed in 17 (68%) women treated with bioidentical estradiol compared with only 5 (20%) in the placebo group. The authors concluded, "Transdermal estradiol is an effective treatment of depression for perimenopausal women."

Estrogen Effective for Post-Partum Depression (after child birth)

Postpartum depression is seen in approximately 13% of women who have recently given birth, and often remains untreated. (10) Various treatments have been tried, including antidepressant drug therapy (SSRI's), bioidentical estrogen, individual psychotherapy, and group psychotherapy.

You can read more detailed discussion on the same topic at Jeffrey Dach MD BioIdentical Hormone Blog