Are You Really Depressed? The Genetics of Anxiety and Depression in Women
Understanding The Genetics of Depression
& Anxiety in Women
Do you feel like you have no reason to be depressed, but just cant shake the blues? Or do you get feelings of panic and overwhelm for no reason?
These are common symptoms in women and actually do have a link to estrogen. It’s GENETIC! Here is a lesson in the genetics for you.
Two genes that have gotten significant attention in the realm of mental health are MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) and COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase). These genes play crucial roles in processes such as neurotransmitter regulation, methylation, and estrogen metabolism. Abnormalities in these genes have been associated with conditions like depression, anxiety, and impaired estrogen metabolism.
Let's dive deeper into how these genetic abnormalities can impact mental health and hormonal balance in women.
MTHFR Gene and Mental Health:
The MTHFR gene is involved in the methylation, which is essential for various biochemical reactions in the body, including making neurotransmitters and DNA repair. Genetic variations in the MTHFR gene can lead to reduced enzyme activity, affecting methylation processes and neurotransmitter balance.
Depression and Anxiety:
Research suggests that individuals with MTHFR gene mutations, may be at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders. Reduced methylation(processing) capacity can impair the making of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are crucial for mood regulation. As a result, individuals with MTHFR mutations may experience imbalances in these neurotransmitters, contributing to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Estrogen Metabolism:
Moreover, MTHFR gene abnormalities have been linked to poor estrogen metabolism. Estrogen plays a vital role in regulating mood, cognition, and overall mental well-being. Impaired estrogen metabolism due to MTHFR mutations can disrupt hormonal balance, potentially exacerbating symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly in women.
COMT Gene and Mental Health:
The COMT gene codes for the catechol-O-methyltransferase enzyme, which is involved in the breakdown of catecholamines, including dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Genetic variations in the COMT gene can influence enzyme activity, affecting neurotransmitter levels and cognitive function.
Depression and Anxiety:
Studies have shown that certain variants of the COMT gene are associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders. Altered dopamine metabolism due to COMT gene abnormalities can impact mood regulation and stress response, contributing to the development of depressive and anxiety symptoms.
Estrogen Metabolism:
Furthermore, COMT gene variations can influence estrogen metabolism. Estrogen interacts with dopamine pathways in the brain, and alterations in COMT enzyme activity may disrupt this interaction, leading to hormonal imbalances and affecting mood and cognitive function.
Implications and Treatment Approaches:
Understanding the role of MTHFR and COMT gene abnormalities in mental health and estrogen metabolism highlights the importance of personalized treatment approaches. Individuals with these genetic variants may benefit from interventions aimed at supporting methylation processes, optimizing neurotransmitter balance, and promoting hormonal equilibrium.
Advanced Testing & Functional Medicine
In conclusion, genetic abnormalities in the MTHFR and COMT genes can contribute to depression, anxiety, and impaired estrogen metabolism through disruptions in methylation processes, neurotransmitter balance, and hormonal regulation. By understanding these genetic factors and implementing personalized treatment approaches that address underlying biochemical imbalances, individuals can better manage their mental health and overall well-being.
Advanced testing offer by Marcia Jones, NP Functional Medicine Clinic for Women evaluates hormones, methylation, specific genetics and adrenal function all in one test you can do at home to provide guidance and support in navigating the complexities of genetic influences on mental health.
Don’t just accept a diagnosis of depression and anxiety, adding antidepressants and antipsychotic medications that will leave you feeling worse with added side effects and no resolution of symptoms without seeking the root cause.
To see a sample report of advanced testing click here..
If you believe you could have an underlying condition interfering with your mental health schedule a consultation to discover Functional Medicine management of your needs.
Blessings In Health!
Marcia Jones, NP
P.S. If you are interested in Functional Medicine for your own care and hormonal bliss, health and cancer care you can schedule with me at https://marciajonesnp.com.
Marcia Jones, NP offers a Hormone Focused Functional Medicine Clinic, Functional Medicine for EVERY woman, focused on hormone balance, adrenal health, hormone related cancer prevention and recovery.