A number of natural remedies can help you overcome the very real issue of depression. At Norterra Family Medicine in Phoenix, Dr. Kristine Sarna and Dr. Rebecca Weiss can diagnose your depression and offer medical, as well as herbal and dietary, supplements and hormonal treatments. Call the office to make an appointment, or use the online booking agent.
Depression Q&A
What is depression?
Depression makes you feel sad and lose interest in subjects or activities that once brought you pleasure. You persistently feel down, which can significantly impair your daily life. Depression can make it hard for you to enjoy or create relationships, hold a job, or follow through on daily activities.
What are the symptoms?
You must experience symptoms of depression for at least two weeks for it to be diagnosed. You may have one or many of the following:
- Trouble sleeping — either too much or too little
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Feeling sad all the time
You may have difficulty concentrating, gain or lose weight unrelated to your diet, and even have thoughts of suicide. Seek help right away for such feelings; Norterra Family Medicine can help.
How does hormone therapy help?
The symptoms of clinical depression may be attributed to hormonal imbalances. Depression is due to chemical imbalances in the brain, which are directed and controlled by your hormones. When the sex hormones of estrogen and progesterone are out of balance, depression and sleep disruption often result. Low testosterone is related to depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness. You may experience hormonal imbalance due to the natural changes that occur with aging.
Thyroid hormones that are out of balance can also lead to depression. Correcting thyroid levels can vastly improve mood, energy levels, and quality of life.
What is hormone therapy?
The doctors at Norterra Family Medicine use bioidentical hormones to treat symptoms of depression. Bioidentical hormones, also called natural hormones, directly match the hormones your body produces. These hormones are derived from plant ingredients and are customized to meet your specific needs. Dr. Sarna, Mollyann Allen, PA and Nicole Walker, PA can review your medical history and symptoms and run a few diagnostic tests to see whether hormone therapy is appropriate for you.
What are other natural treatments for depression?
Changing your diet and using nutritional and dietary supplements sometimes help overcome depression. Explore these options under an expert physician, such as Dr. Sarna or Dr. Weiss, so you’re sure you take the right steps to help improve your mental health.
