Anxiety, Depression & Mood Swings in Perimenopause

About Natural (Herbal) Remedies

You must always see a doctor to discuss treatment options for anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Please don't wait. You can find support and help to make life more manageable. However, once you’ve established a treatment plan, if any, you may want to investigate incorporating other options that may help.

Use caution with “natural” remedies

There are many herbs, vitamins, and other supplements touted as a cure-all for depression and anxiety (such as St. John’s Wort, SAM-e, and Kava), but the jury is still out as to whether they do more harm than good. Until more scientific studies prove their merit, be careful and check with your healthcare practitioner before self-treating. Remember, these may be “natural” substances, but medicine is also derived from plants. There can be interactions between prescription medications and herbs.

Progesterone may help

Natural progesterone may alleviate anxiety. Some research shows that estrogen may help elevate mood and that progesterone has a calming effect, somewhat akin to medications such as valium or xanax.

Some women with PMS are given progesterone for their symptoms based on the theory that too little progesterone is produced during the few weeks preceding their period.

Dr. Helene B. Leonetti, author of “Menopause: A Spiritual Renaissance,” says, "You should get the highest quality progesterone cream and start very, very slowly. Perhaps just use a minute amount on your arm or breast to start, and build up slowly over time. Many of my patients have been helped tremendously by a combination of progesterone cream and other products."

Talk to your doctor to find out if natural progesterone is a good alternative for your symptoms of anxiety. Please do not use over-the-counter progesterone without first consulting a doctor. Remember, hormones are very delicate, and you must be very careful or you might create an even greater imbalance.

Perimenopause & Anxiety, Depression, & Mood Swings

About Natural Herbal Remedies

Natural Tips for Relief

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