The body chemicals we call hormones affect both a woman’s reproductive capacity and her mental health. In addition, mental health can also affect reproductive capacity and hormones. If you are experiencing painful periods, cannot get pregnant or feel depressed after giving birth, keep reading. We’ll explore how mental health affects reproductive health.
Infertility And Mental Health
Between 40 to 60 percent of both men and women who have clinical depression and anxiety also struggle with infertility. Studies show that these mental health issues often are linked to childhood trauma. Other life events or chemical imbalances can also lower emotional and mental well-being. Together, these can impact reproductive health.
Women’s Reproductive Health Problems Linked to Mental Health
Mental Health Affects Libido, Intimacy, and Pregnancy
Women who have premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) also commonly experience mental health problems. The primary mental health diagnoses are anxiety and depression. These mental health disorders cause mood swings, sadness and limited ability to enjoy sexual intimacy.
Medications, such as antidepressants, can change the ability to function sexually and to conceive. These medications play a very important role in managing many mental health disorders. However, their impact on women’s reproductive health cannot be discounted or ignored.
Additionally, eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia, cause:
- Irregular and light periods
- Infertility
- Premature births
- Low birth weight in infants
These eating disorders change a woman’s menstrual cycle because they change a woman’s hormones. This can impact her ability to ovulate and the length and health of pregnancies.
Mental Health Affects Motherhood
Even after pregnancy, mental health disorders can affect new mothers. The time after a mother gives birth is known as postpartum. During this time, her body must adjust back to normal like it was before pregnancy. This means her hormone levels are changing, which can worsen mental health.
Women with history of mental health conditions can be especially at risk for relapse during the postpartum period. Women who have previously struggled with anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder are at the highest risk of relapse. Doctors believe relapses come from hormonal shifts, changes in sleep cycles, and increased responsibilities of parenting and breastfeeding.
What Can You Do to Be Healthy Emotionally?
As we have discussed, bad mental health can negatively impact a woman’s reproductive health. That’s why we’ve created a list of tips you can use to improve your mental health.
1. Get Restful Sleep
Sleep is very important for your mind. When you sleep, your body and brain are busy fixing and refreshing themselves. If you don’t get enough good sleep, you might feel anxious,sad, or have a short temper. If you keep missing out on sleep, it can even lead to bigger problems like serious mood disorders and poor sexual function.
So, getting enough good sleep is important for your body and for keeping your mind happy and healthy.Deep, quality sleep is important for mental health and overall health. Aim for seven to eight hours a night. Try to limit your caffeine intake before bed. Silence your phone and turn off all screens.
2. Eat a Nutritious Diet
Try to stay away from junk food and other foods that aren’t good for you. Instead, eat more things like low-fat dairy products (like milk and yogurt), fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains (like brown rice and oatmeal), and lean proteins (like fish and chicken). Fad diets impact your fertility and can lead to anxiety, too.
3. Talk to Your Provider About Your Medications
If you take medications for bipolar disorder, anxiety, or depression, you need to discuss their side effects with your provider. Many of these drugs are not safe to take if you are planning a pregnancy or already are pregnant. Discuss other ways to manage your condition with your healthcare provider. For example, ask them about medications that are safe to take during pregnancy. In addition, you could ask them for recommendations for talk therapy.
4. Exercise
Engaging in light aerobic exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling is beneficial for your mental health. Regular exercise helps to release endorphins – the body’s natural mood boosters. They help elevate depressed moods and emotions. Exercise also aids in managing stress and anxiety symptoms by promoting relaxation.
Exercise is especially important during pregnancy. Doing light exercise helps keep you healthy as your pregnancy progresses. Also, it can help keep your mood up and manage any anxiety you might have.
5. Avoid Isolation
Human beings are social creatures. Maintaining strong connections with friends and family is vital for our mental health. When you’re feeling down, reach out to your loved ones for comfort, perspective, and practical assistance. Their support can be incredibly helpful at any stage of a woman’s reproductive life.
Whether you’re planning a pregnancy, expecting a baby, or navigating postpartum challenges, family and friends can help. Don’t hesitate to share your feelings and experiences with them. Oftentimes, simply knowing that you’re not alone can make a significant difference in your mental wellbeing.
Nurse Practitioners Specializing in Woman’ Health in Kent, WA
If you need a new care provider for women’s health, the nurse practitioners at Family Care of Kent are here to help. We understand how your body functions holistically. We work with you to optimize mental, emotional and physical health and understand that your sexual health really matters.
So, call us at (253) 859-2273 for a confidential and informative consultation or request an appointment here. We are happy to serve women of all ages and walks of life and look forward to talking with you very soon.