Does your hypothalamus influence infertility and depression? Let’s talk about it.
Studies show that depression is common in infertility. It makes sense that if you’re trying to get pregnant and can’t that you might be depressed. But there is a definite neuroendocrine connection.
Both your fertility and your moods are controlled by your hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus directs the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This initiates the development of ovarian follicles and then luteinizing hormone (LH) to stimulate ovulation.
Your hypothalamus controls your sex hormone production as well as your neurotransmitter production. Your sex hormones influence your moods. Estrogen enhances serotonin production which helps modulate your moods and memory.
Moreover, serotonin disturbances can be influenced by estrogenic status and are at the basis of depression, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, and eating disorders.
Progesterone enhances GABA function which helps you calm down and sleep.
The progesterone metabolite, allopregnanolone, is a GABA receptor agonist binding to GABA receptors and increasing GABA function.
Testosterone influences dopamine production which enhances your motivation.
Dopamine can influence sex steroid production by impacting hypothalamic GnRH. Hormones and neurotransmitters go hand in hand.
Keeping your hypothalamus functioning optimally helps balance hormones and neurotransmitters improving your fertility and moods. My infertile patients who take Genesis Gold® for at least six months find their moods are lifted and are able to conceive.
If you want to learn more, please join our free Hormone Reboot Training.
Excerpt from Hypothalamus Handbook
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