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Depression and Hormones

Meaning

Depression and Hormones refers to the intricate and clinically significant bidirectional relationship existing between the endocrine system and the complex pathophysiology of Major Depressive Disorder and related mood disturbances. Fluctuations, imbalances, or frank deficiencies in key hormones can directly precipitate or substantially exacerbate depressive symptomatology in vulnerable individuals. Conversely, chronic psychological stress and established depression can severely dysregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and other vital endocrine feedback loops. This critical clinical intersection underscores the necessity of a comprehensive endocrinological perspective in the complete assessment and management of mental health.