By Donna White, Bestselling Author of “The Hormone Makeover” and Founder of BHRT Training Academy
A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders revealed a striking statistic: women in midlife approaching perimenopause are at a 40% greater risk of developing depression. This finding, recently highlighted on Good Morning America, underscores the urgent need to address the connection between hormonal changes and mental health during this critical phase of life.
As someone who has dedicated my career to educating providers about Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) and empowering women to take charge of their health, I believe this study shines a light on an issue that has long been underestimated. Depression during menopause is not just “in a woman’s head”—it’s deeply rooted in the hormonal shifts taking place in her body. Fortunately, there’s a way to help combat this: BHRT.
The Hormone-Depression Connection
Hormones are powerful regulators of mood and brain function. During perimenopause and menopause, the sharp decline in estrogen and progesterone can disrupt neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are vital for maintaining emotional stability. This hormonal turbulence can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety and even clinical depression.
The Journal of Affective Disorders study is a wake-up call, but it’s not surprising to those of us in the field of hormone health. I’ve witnessed firsthand how many women struggle with undiagnosed or untreated mood disorders during this time, often feeling isolated and misunderstood. The good news is that we now have tools, like BHRT, to address these hormonal imbalances and help women regain control of their mental health.
How BHRT Can Support Mental Health During Menopause
BHRT offers a personalized approach to hormone restoration by using hormones that are biologically identical to those naturally produced in the body. By rebalancing estrogen, progesterone and even testosterone levels, BHRT can help stabilize mood and improve overall mental clarity.
Many women who begin BHRT report significant reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms. They often describe a renewed sense of emotional stability, improved sleep, and even greater energy levels. These benefits extend far beyond mental health—they enhance a woman’s quality of life, relationships and productivity.
Why Training Providers Is Essential
Many studies now reinforce what the medical community already knows: There’s a glaring shortage of qualified providers to properly care for patients with hormone imbalances. This shortage creates opportunities for providers to obtain cutting-edge training and certification and become a leader in providing higher efficacy care for menopausal women.
The link between menopause and depression isn’t new, but it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in healthcare. This is why I founded the BHRT Training Academy—to equip providers with the proven tools and knowledge needed to address the multifaceted challenges women face during this phase of life.
Our training emphasizes the critical intersection of hormone health and mental health, helping providers recognize the symptoms of perimenopausal depression and develop effective, individualized treatment plans. When providers understand how to use BHRT responsibly and compassionately, they can make a profound difference in their patients’ lives.
Breaking the Stigma Around Menopause and Mental Health
Too often, women feel dismissed when they express concerns about mood changes during menopause. They’re told it’s “just stress” or a “normal part of aging.” This narrative needs to change. Depression during menopause is not something women should have to accept—it’s something we can address.
The conversation sparked by Good Morning America and the Journal of Affective Disorders study is an important step forward. But awareness must be followed by action. Women need access to providers who understand the intricate relationship between hormones and mental health and who can offer solutions that work.
A Call to Action for Providers
The need for specialized care in hormone health has never been greater. By joining the BHRT Training Academy, you will become part of a growing movement to transform how we approach menopause and mental health.
Together, we can bridge the gap between hormonal health and emotional well-being. By empowering women with the right tools and education, we can ensure that menopause becomes a time of empowerment, not despair.
Learn more about BHRT and how to become a certified BHRT Training Academy provider at BHRT Training Academy.
