Depression is a serious mental illness that affects many Americans. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that as of 2005, 6.7 percent of adult Americans struggled with depression during a 12-month period, with 30.4 percent of those having a severe form of the illness. Depression affects women at a rate 70 percent higher than it does adult men. There are multiple reasons why depression may occur, one of them being hormonal.
Types of Depression
The term commonly used as "depression" refers to several mood disorders classified by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual - IV Text Revision. Major depression is identified as experiencing five or more depressive symptoms, defined by the DSM-IV TR, that last 2 weeks or longer. Also included in the DSM-IV TR is the diagnosis dysthymia, which refers to a milder depression that lasts over a period of 2 years. Postpartum depression, as the name implies, occurs following the birth of a child, while seasonal affective disorder is a major depression, which occurs as the suns visible hours deplete. Bipolar affective disorder is diagnosed when there are shifts between high and low moods. These shifts in mood occur as periods of depression or mania.
Symptoms of Depression
The symptoms of depression may vary dependent on the form of depression. If you are depressed, you may experience a predominantly low mood, decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping or periods of sleeping too much and decreased motivation or ability to keep up with daily activities. You may also experience feelings of agitation or restlessness, decreased concentration and a lack of energy. You may also experience thoughts of suicide when experiencing a depressed mood. A mental health professional or primary care specialist can help to assess your symptoms and determine what intervention is required to assist you.
Testosterone in the Female Body
Testosterone is best known as the "male hormone"; however, women rely on this hormone as well. Testosterone is the "precursor to estrogen," and according to Dr. Edward Lichten, M.D., PC, testosterone is highest for women in their early 20s. Testosterone levels decline as a woman ages, as it does for men. Testosterone is most commonly known for being the driving force behind sex drive as well as aggression, but it is also key to motivation, drive and energy. Women may experience lower levels of testosterone from taking oral contraceptives and as they move through premenopause and postmenopause.
The Role of Testosterone in Female Depression
Research shows that hormonal changes, combined with psychosocial stressors and biological influences, contribute to higher rates of depression in women. According to Uwe D. Rohr in the journal "Maturitas," low as well as high testosterone levels may cause depression in women. Hormones affect emotional well-being by directly affecting the brain chemistry that controls emotions and mood. Augmentation therapy may help in alleviating the symptoms of depression in women when treatment by antidepressant monotherapy was unsuccessful, according to Karen K. Miller, MD. et al. Treatments are also available for high testosterone levels including antidepressants and estrogen augmentation.
References
- "CNS Spectrums"; Low-dose Transdermal Testosterone Augmentation Therapy Improves Depression Severity in Women; Karen K. Miller, MD. et al.; 2009
- Mayo Clinic; Depression in Women: Understanding the Gender Gap
- Help Guide: Depression in Women
- "Maturitas"; The Impact of Testosterone Imbalance on Depression and Women's Health; Uwe D. Rohr; 2002
- National Institute of Mental Health: Major Depressive Disorder Among Adults
- National Institute of Mental Health:Depression
