A lot of people struggle with hormonal issues around the globe. Hormonal issues not only affect physical health, but few people know that they also regulate our emotions and moods. Hormonal disorders, issues, or changes can cause mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, stress, and more.
In our body, the endocrine system maintains a network of organs and glands that produce and release hormones into the blood. This shows that the endocrine system and mental health are deeply connected with each other.
The major glands included in the endocrine system are the thyroid, pituitary, hypothalamus, adrenal, pineal, and more. The endocrine system in our body is responsible for various important functions such as metabolism, growth, development, reproduction, energy level, proper organ functioning, response to stress, mood, and injury.
The endocrine system and mental health are associated with each other because the number of hormones released by the endocrine system can affect stress levels, mood, and more. Balanced hormonal release in the body results in healthy well-being.
In this blog, we will take a deep understanding of the endocrine system and mental health. Let’s get started!
The Role of the Endocrine System in Our Body
The endocrine system in our body is responsible for the production and release of hormones. Glands like the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, thymus, and adrenal are coordinated by the endocrine system. The basic role of the endocrine system is to coordinate important body functions.
The glands produce hormones which also carry chemical messengers responsible for coordinating with important body functions. Imbalanced hormones can cause severe changes in the body. Overall, the endocrine system controls:
Development and growth
Energy levels
Homeostasis
Metabolism
Mood
Reproduction
Response to injury
Sleep-wake cycle
Stress
Endocrine System, Mental Health, and Hormones Released
Various hormones are released by the endocrine system which not only looks after physical functions but also mental health functioning. Below listed are some of the important hormones that look after mental health released by the endocrine system:
1. Adrenaline:
Adrenaline hormone is also responsible for the “fight or flight” response in the body. This hormone basically helps people react instantly to danger, stress, and other situations. Too much adrenaline in the body can increase the risk of heart disease and cause dizziness, irritability, and sleep issues.
2. Cortisol:
Cortisol (a stress hormone) is responsible for the “fight-or-flight response.” Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands. Whenever people encounter a threat, cortisol levels increase and put our bodies on high alert. Cortisol can affect our stress response, metabolism, blood pressure, immune system, and brain function.
It can result in emotional memory, habit formation, and fear learning as well. Too much cortisol in the body can cause Cushing’s syndrome and too little cortisol in the body can cause Addison’s disease.
3. Dopamine:
Dopamine also known as the “feel-good hormone” is responsible for attention, learning, pleasure, reward, movement, and memory in the brain. Low levels or imbalanced release of dopamine can result in the development of mental health conditions such as restless legs syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Too much or too little dopamine can cause mental and neurological conditions in our bodies. Low levels of dopamine can make us feel demotivated, moody, and fatigued.
4. Serotonin:
Serotonin also plays an important role in mental health. It regulates memory, sleep, and mood. It is also known as the “feel-good hormone.” Research shows that low serotonin levels can result in depression.
Serotonin is known to be a primary treatment option for various neurological and psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and anxiety disorders. Too much serotonin in the body can cause serotonin syndrome.
5. Thyroid:
Thyroid hormones can cause depression, irritability, and mood swings. Research shows that thyroid hormones can also cause anxiety, cognitive impairment, sleep-related issues, demotivation, and more. Imbalanced thyroid hormones can cause hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Endocrine System and Its Responses
Whenever our brain receives or encounters a threatening situation, it releases stress hormones in our body such as adrenaline and cortisol. This phenomenon is known as the fight or flight response. Here’s how our body responds when triggered:
Releases stored glucose which provides energy to the body
Raises heart rates which provides blood to the body
Widens the lungs which provide oxygen to the body
Puts the brain on high alert which sharpens the sense in the body
Research shows that even stress can sometimes also be helpful to the body, it can help complete the tasks to surpass the coming situation. Chronic stress can negatively impact overall well-being which can result in various health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, menstrual problems, skin problems, and high blood pressure.
The rush of adrenaline and cortisol in the body can also cause symptoms such as agitation, jittery, and panic. It can also result in mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. When the stress is increased in our body, the endocrine system works harder to restore the hormones. This results in hormonal imbalance which causes bodily and mental health changes.
Endocrine System and Mental Health Issues
Below listed are some of the mental health disorders caused by the imbalance of the endocrine system:
Thyroid conditions: Thyroid conditions are generally caused by the imbalance of thyroid hormone. The common mental health symptoms can be depression, irritability, and anxiety.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): PMDD and PMS are caused by hormonal changes causing mood swings, severe behavioral changes, and emotional disturbance.
Perimenopause and menopause: These two conditions are caused by the low levels of progesterone and estrogen. Common mental health symptoms caused by menopause and perimenopause can be anxiety, depression, and severe mood swings.
Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression is caused by changed hormones during pregnancy and after childbirth. Common mental health symptoms caused by postpartum depression can be persistent sadness, inability to do tasks, demotivation, and social isolation.
Cushing syndrome: Cushing syndrome is caused by excessive levels of cortisol in the body. Common mental health symptoms associated with Cushing syndrome are unexplained weight gain, irritability, anxiety, depression, and lower libido.
Treating Mental Health Issues Caused by Endocrine Disorders
Below listed treatments can help fight endocrine disorders:
1. Take prescribed medications: Physicians provide medications for hormonal disbalances. For example, to treat hypothyroidism, a physician might prescribe a medication that augments the hormone levels again in the body depending upon the blood levels.
2. Connect with a mental health professional: In case of severe symptoms caused by the endocrine system, you can connect with a mental health professional to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. A mental health professional can help people support through bodily changes, mood changes, and more.
3. Take antidepressants: For severe cases, a mental health professional or physician might also provide antidepressants as a potential solution to mental health-related
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which mental health disorders are related to endocrine disorders?
Anxiety and depression are commonly associated with the spectrum of the endocrine system. In severe cases, psychotic features may also develop. Additionally, severe behavioral and mood changes are also observed.
2. Which hormone is responsible for mental health?
The thyroid gland produces hormones named T3 and T4 which keep a great importance in mental health.
3. Is depression related to the endocrine system?
Yes, depressive symptoms can also be related to the endocrine system. Research shows that CRH, somatostatin, glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones, and gonadal steroids contribute to the depression’s pathophysiologic presentation.
4. Do endocrine glands affect personality?
Yes, endocrine hormones control development, growth, and mood. In some cases, they can show up as severe mood changes and non-specific changes in the personality.
5. Which hormone is good for depression?
The thyroid hormone known to be the best treatment for depression is T3 (Triiodothyronine). It can also be used as a combination with antidepressants as T3 regulates emotions and mood.
Glossary:
Addison’s disease: Caused by low adrenal gland levels
Cushing syndrome: Cause by high levels of cortisol
Fight or flight: A type of survival mechanism
Hyperthyroidism: Caused by high levels of thyroid hormones
Hypothyroidism: Caused by low levels of thyroid hormones
Parkinson’s disease: A type of brain disorder that causes movement problems
Restless leg syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease: A type of chronic neurological disorder causing uncontrollable urge to move legs
I hope this blog helps you understand the connection between the endocrine system and mental health. Comment down and share your queries through the same or you can also write us to at Calm Sage.
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Thanks for reading!
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