They’re complex and often overwhelming conditions, particularly for women. We’re talking about depression and anxiety, which can manifest in various ways, including persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, excessive worry, irritability, and even physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or trouble sleeping.
Traditional treatment often focuses on symptom management, typically through medication, but that doesn’t address the root cause of the problem.
Did you know that there are often-overlooked symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, which are frequently mistaken for mental health issues? One in 5 women experience depression, and 1 in 3 experience anxiety as a primary symptom of the menopause transition. Dr. Achina Stein, a renowned psychiatrist and author, has a”SHIFT” protocol that uncovers five key underlying factors that can contribute to mental health issues:
- Stress
- Hormones
- Infections
- Food
- Toxins
In this post, we explore the impact of SHIFT on mental health, backed by Dr. Achina’s expert advice from our Menopause Mastery Podcast.
The Connection Between Gut Health and Mental Health
One of the lesser-known links in mental health is the gut-brain connection. Poor diet, chronic inflammation, and food sensitivities (especially gluten and dairy) can contribute to anxiety and depression. These factors can disrupt gut health, leading to increased inflammation that directly impacts brain function. Dr. Achina emphasizes starting with dietary changes to identify and eliminate triggers, often focusing on removing gluten and dairy as a first step.
Stress and Hormones
Unsurprisingly, stress plays a significant role in mental health, particularly chronic stress that raises cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol can lead to hormone imbalances, which further exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety. By addressing stress management and hormonal health, women can stabilize their mood and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
A Functional Medicine Approach to Overcoming Depression
A holistic approach to mental health is implemented through innovative holistic approaches focused on lifestyle changes in areas like nutrition, movement, and stress management. Hormone replacement therapy and nutrients can often support women without the need for antidepressants.