Important Mood-Enhancing Hormones and Chemicals
There are a large number of hormones and chemical messengers circulating throughout our body. While we still have a lot to learn about their role, there are several that we know can affect our mood. Many of these are associated with depression, anxiety-related disorders, ADHD, sleep, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
When there are imbalances in any of these hormones and chemicals, our mood can be affected; and it seems that correcting some of these imbalances through good nutrition, healthy sleep patterns, effective coping skills, regular exercise, and oftentimes supplementation and medication can lead to significant improvements in mood and mental health. Examples of hormones and chemical messengers associated with mental health are listed below:
- Neurotransmitter imbalances. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are important for the transmission of messages from one neuron to another. Serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline and GABA are examples of neurotransmitters that are important for mood. When there is an imbalance in these neurotransmitters (either too high or too low) it can affect mental health. For more information about neurotransmitters click here.
- HPA imbalances. The HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) axis is associated with our stress response. These three areas of the body work together to increase stress hormones in the body when needed. Such stress hormones include cortisol and adrenaline. It has been shown that imbalances in the HPA axis (either too high or too low) can have significant effects on our mental health. Therefore correcting the HPA response is important to enhance mental well-being. For more information about the HPA axis click here.
- Sex hormone imbalances. Sex hormones such as testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone and DHEA are not only important for sexual function but can also affect mood and mental health. Imbalances in these hormones therefore require correction to enhance mood and mental wellbeing.
- Free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules in our body that are produced from normal living. We all have free radicals circulating in our body and this is a normal, healthy process. However, if free radical activity is too high or our antioxidant defence system is too low it can damage to our body, including the brain. It leads to a state known as ‘oxidative stress.’ It has now been confirmed that people with different mental health problems have increased oxidative stress. Therefore correcting this problem can potentially lead to improved mood. In fact, in some studies, it has been shown that taking antioxidants or eating a diet rich in antioxidants can improve mood.
- Inflammation. Our inflammatory response is needed for survival and repair. Without it, we cannot fight disease or recover from injury. However, when the inflammatory response is excessive or is constantly turned on, it can have damaging effects on the body. One very common finding is that people with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have elevated levels of inflammation in the body. By reducing this inflammatory response, mood may consequently be improved.
These are just some examples of hormones and chemicals that can affect mood and mental wellbeing. A biological or biomedical approach to mental health involves assessing for and treating any imbalances in these messengers. While not all chemicals can be tested for in the body, there are many that can. When they are identified and corrected, mood may subsequently be improved.
Correction of these hormones comprises a multifaceted approach. They cannot be simply treated by taking a single medication or supplement. What we eat, how we sleep, our stress levels, medical illnesses, our coping response, and environmental toxins are just some examples of factors that can affect these chemical messengers. That’s why simple treatments are often ineffective. An integrative approach is often necessary.
