Recent research shows a strong connection between estrogen levels and women's depression across the life span. Abrupt changes in estrogen levels, such as at puberty, during and after pregnancy, and at menopause, can affect a woman's moods in significant, obvious, and uncomfortable ways. But these estrogen fluctuations can be managed through various treatments, including medication and lifestyle changes. This book takes a new, explorational approach to this important topic but also includes practical advice and tips for managing mood changes related to estrogen fluctuation. It begins by taking a look at how estrogen affects the brain and mood. It then explores all of the major stages in a woman's life--from puberty to menstruation to pregnancy and the postpartum period, on to perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause--explaining in layperson's terms what the most recent research tells us about these life stages, and specifically, how the levels of estrogen and other hormones in a woman's body contributes to mood changes. --- from the publisher |
