Estrogen appears to affect those brain neurotransmitters which may affect mood. These are times when great hormonal changes are occurring. Conversely, common medical problems such as auto-immune disorders and some cancers, including lung, gastrointestinal and kidney, may manifest as depression. Even some commonly used blood pressure and anti-inflammatory medications can cause depression, so it's important to see a physician if the depression lasts for more than two weeks. Symptoms most commonly associated with depression include loss of interest in enjoyable activities, decreased appetite, problems sleeping, feeling hopeless and sad, thinking and talking about suicide, and difficulty with memory.
Depression is highly treatable with medications alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy.
His research has shown that approximately 5 to 10 percent of women who suffer from major depression have some metabolic evidence of diminished thyroid hormone. Thyroid disease is four to 10 times more common in women than in men. Psychotherapy, antidepressant drugs and other treatments for depression are not as effective in someone with mild hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones control the metabolism of the body and particularly the energy systems of the body. If there is too little thyroid, one's vulnerability to depression is increased.