Hormones regulate vital body functions such as metabolism, mood, sleep, and reproduction. When they are in balance, they promote overall well-being, but when out of balance, they can wreak havoc on people’s physical and mental health.
Unfortunately, hormone imbalances are often misdiagnosed as mental health issues. This leads to ineffective treatments and unnecessary medications.
“I think of our hormone levels as a gas tank,” explains Brett Markowitz, CEO and founder of AgeRejuvenation Medical Clinics throughout Tampa and Orlando, Florida. “When you’re 18, you’re a shiny car right out of the lot, full tank of gas ready to take on the world. As you age, your tank gets lower. The natural decline in your hormones causes an imbalance that can mimic signs of depression, loss of confidence, question yourself, or anxiety.”
Why hormone imbalances are treated as mental health issues
One reason for the confusion between hormone imbalances and mental health issues is overlapping symptoms. Conditions like depression, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue are commonly associated with both hormone fluctuations and mental health disorders. This similarity in symptoms often makes it challenging for healthcare professionals to differentiate the underlying cause.
“So many of our clients are being diagnosed as clinically depressed by their primary care providers,” laments Markowitz. “They are being prescribed powerful antidepressants like Wellbutrin and Paxil, and they don’t need them. These medications often have unpleasant and even dangerous side effects. If people would simply balance out their hormone levels, they would restore their confidence, eliminate depression, re-establish healthy sleep patterns, and bring their body back to a youthful state.”
A prime example of hormone imbalances mistakenly attributed to mental health issues is the link between estrogen fluctuations and depression in women. Estrogen, a hormone responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and reproductive system, also plays a critical role in brain function. Fluctuations in estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause can lead to depressive symptoms such as mood swings, sadness, and irritability. When women suffering from hormone imbalances are prescribed antidepressant medications, the prescription does not address the root cause of their symptoms.
Similarly, thyroid hormone imbalances are frequently mistaken for mental health issues. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and mood. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause symptoms of depression, fatigue, and brain fog, while an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause symptoms of anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. These symptoms often lead to misdiagnoses and unnecessary psychiatric treatments.
Another hormone that can significantly impact mental health is cortisol, commonly known as the “stress hormone.” Prolonged periods of stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which can negatively affect mood, sleep, and cognitive function. Chronic stress and high cortisol levels are often misinterpreted as anxiety or depression, as they share common symptoms, such as increased worry, difficulty concentrating, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Properly diagnosing and treating hormone imbalance
To break the cycle of misdiagnosis, healthcare providers must consider the possibility of hormone imbalances by conducting thorough assessments, including hormone level testing, to identify the underlying cause of symptoms. By addressing hormonal imbalances directly through hormone replacement therapy, nutritional changes, or lifestyle modifications, people find targeted relief for their symptoms.
“We can definitively identify the chemical imbalances in your body with a simple blood test,” Markowitz notes. “After that, our providers sit down with you to talk about the physical and mental symptoms you are experiencing as a result of your hormone imbalance. We look at your specific needs to provide customized treatments.”
Once providers identify individual needs, they can form a treatment plan. “Our providers treat hormonal imbalances with both hormone replacement vitamins and supplements and holistic treatments,” says Markowitz. “Again, your hormone levels are like a tank of gas — when your car is empty, we help you refill it. We also suggest holistic lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercise, meditation, and outdoor activities to help regulate hormone levels. We’re not making you a superhero or bodybuilder, we’re simply replenishing what your body had when you were 18 and your hormones were at their peak.”
After Markowitz’s medical provider team restores hormonal balance, the words they most commonly hear from clients are, “I forgot what it felt like.” Understanding the connection between hormonal fluctuations and mental well-being is crucial to accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. By recognizing the importance of hormonal balance and prioritizing comprehensive evaluations, healthcare providers ensure that individuals receive the appropriate care they need to achieve optimal physical and mental health.
“Mental health is a real issue and needs to be treated,” Markowitz concludes. “However, the majority of people who come to us do not have a hereditary mental health issue. If you are simply realizing you don’t feel as confident and positive as you did 20 years ago, it’s worth checking your hormone levels before undergoing more drastic treatments that might not even solve your problem.”
— Brett Markowitz, the CEO of Age Rejuvenation Medical Clinics, identified a gap in regenerative and anti-aging medicine. He noticed that few medical clinics were truly addressing the root causes of aging symptoms in patients. This realization prompted him to develop a comprehensive plan that focused on essential treatments for aging, including weight loss solutions, male and female sexual dysfunction treatments, hormone balancing, peptide therapy, and aesthetics. As a result, Age Rejuvenation has evolved into a versatile medical clinic that provides top-notch patient care and a range of services to address weight loss, hormone imbalance, sexual dysfunction, and visible signs of aging.