How hormones affect mental state<\/h2>\n
Hormones are chemical messengers between organs. They affect energy, appetite, sleep cycles, stress response, and even the ability to feel pleasure. This is why depression often changes:<\/p>\n
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mood<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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motivation level<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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ability to concentrate<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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physical endurance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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sexual desire<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What hormones are most often associated with depression?<\/h2>\n
1. Cortisol<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The main stress hormone. It can be either elevated or lowered in chronic stress or depression.<\/p>\n
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High cortisol \u2192 anxiety, insomnia, irritability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Low cortisol \u2192 apathy, fatigue, feeling of "burnout"\u00ab
Analysis:<\/strong> daily cortisol profile (blood<\/a>, saliva<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n2. TSH and thyroid hormones (T3, T4)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Hypothyroidism often mimics depression: decreased energy, weight gain, loss of interest in life.
Analysis:<\/strong> TSH, free T3, free T4, TPO antibodies<\/p>\n3. Estrogens and progesterone (in women)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
A decrease in estrogen or an imbalance with progesterone especially often provokes depressive states. before menstruation, after childbirth or during menopause<\/strong>.
Analysis:<\/strong> Estradiol, progesterone<\/a>, LH, FSH<\/p>\n4. Testosterone (in men and women)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Low levels are associated with decreased libido, fatigue, and loss of motivation.
Analysis:<\/strong> Total and free testosterone, SHBG<\/p>\n5. Insulin and glucose<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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![\"Test](\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Blood-test-1024x577-1.jpg\")
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