Hate the winter blues! My version of the winter blues is when there is snow, snow and more snow, which at first can be quite lovely. After that though, it starts to melt and changes from white to gray to dirty and pebbly looking. Along with the snow comes cancellations, changed plans, missed events, kids home from school, etc. That and the heavy clothes, shoveling of sidewalks and driveways, and splashing slush. If that wasn’t enough, there is the hazard of walking and driving on black ice - YUCK! Ok, I have just put myself into the moody blues by just thinking of all that.
For some women though, severe depression is more than situational, such as weather, lack of exercise or economic status, amongst other things. It can be caused by abnormal fluctuations in the neurotransmitter, Serotonin. I read the following at the Always.com website that might be of interest:
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. A neurotransmitter is a chemical that is involved in sending messages along nerves in the brain, spinal cord and throughout the body. Serotonin affects mood. Impaired serotonin activity has been linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety, impulsivity, aggression and increased appetite. Since depression is also a major symptom of PMS, scientists have questioned the role of serotonin in PMS. Abnormal serotonin levels and activities have been found in women suffering from PMS. Furthermore, drugs that enhance serotonin activity, called specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil), are effective in the treatment of PMS.
Also of interest on the Always.com site is further information on why cyclic fluctuations in reproductive hormones have been blamed for causing depression:
“While it seemed logical to many that the reproductive hormones involved in the menstrual cycle were the cause of PMS, research has proven that there are no differences in estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, prolactin and testosterone levels between women with and without PMS. This only confirms that ovulation acts as the "trigger" but is not in itself the cause. “
PMS, which usually occurs from about a week to 10 days before your period starts, can be mild with symptoms such as bloating, food cravings and slight irritability. However, if you find yourself experiencing more severe symptoms of PMS, such as depression or panic attacks, during the premenstrual phase each month, you should see your health care provider. Studies have shown that women's suicide attempts, psychiatric hospital admissions and violent criminal acts are most likely to occur in the premenstrual days. If you feel that you may hurt yourself or someone else, you should seek immediate medical attention. Fortunately, this is extremely rare.
Why am I posting information about depression now? That is because you can have reduced serotonin levels from a lack of sunshine. It is winter and people are indoors more and less exposed to natural sun. Of course, there are a lot of reasons for depression and just sitting in the sunshine, depending on the cause, won’t cure depression. However, for those who have severe depression because of alterations in serotonin, the lack of sunshine is not helpful.
While I am not an expert on depression and have not included all there is to know about the topic, there is some helpful information on Always.com (see link below) that may help you better understand depression and its relationship to PMS and serotonin. Of course, it is always best to involve your health care provider if you feel that your symptoms have become particularly troubling.
Best wishes to all and I hope your winter brings you only fresh snowfalls and happy thoughts.
http://www.always.com/period/pmssymptoms.jsp?utm_source=blogger&utm_medium=NurseElaine&utm_content=link20110124&utm_campaign=comm_mgr
No comments:
Post a Comment