There are life circumstances and physiological shifts that can contribute to feeling less than optimal at mid-life. While some may attribute this to natural aging, there are some very real physiological processes that can be identified and mediated to help individuals feel their best as they age. They may find themselves feeling more depressed or anxious around this time in life without feeling like they have a clear understanding as to what is causing such a drastic shift in mood. Several avenues likely need to be explored to help each person individually.

 

Serotonin is an especially important neurotransmitter for mental health. In addition to mood regulation and being called “the happiness hormone”, serotonin also plays a role in energy thermoregulation. It is one of many neurotransmitters that can cause depression and anxiety symptoms, but gets attention for a good reason. Proper formation and breakdown of serotonin relies on input from estrogen, testosterone, cortisol and vitamin D. Estrogen plays a particular role in the synthesis of serotonin, and can exert a negative feedback mechanism to slow down serotonin breakdown. It’s no wonder that when hormone levels start to decline, there is often a shift in serotonin and overall mood.

 

Equally important in the discussion of aging and mental health is a steroid called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This hormone is made in the adrenal glands, ovaries and testes, and serves as a precursor hormone to estrogen and testosterone. Studies show that levels of DHEA peak during the mid-20s and then slowly decline throughout life. Like other hormones discussed, DHEA is a neurosteroid of its own and helps regulate neurotransmitter functions involved in synthesis of serotonin, dopamine GABA and glutamate. When DHEA levels become low, an imbalanced cortisol to DHEA ratio can present, which leaves the brain with less protection to the effects of chronic stress. Supplementation with DHEA can help establish a sense of well-being and enhance resiliency to stress.

 

Hormones and neurotransmitters are intricately related, so testing these markers can be a powerful tool toward better health. While it might sound like more is better, there are negative aspects to over supplementation with DHEA and high levels of serotonin. Always seek medical advice before self-experimenting.

 

 Dr. Ashlyn Zikmund is a naturopathic doctor at Natural Paths to Wellness, located at 1524 Cedar Cliff Dr., in Camp Hill, with a special interest in gut health, women’s health, and metabolic syndrome. For more information, call 717-494-4500 or visit NaturalPathsToWellness.com.