What are women’s mental health issues?

Women’s mental health issues are problems that only affect women or affect women differently from men.

Women often share the same emotional and psychological issues as men, but the effects can differ. For example, while both men and women can develop depression or anxiety, specific symptoms may be more common in women.

There are also some disorders that only women experience because they relate to estrogen and progesterone hormone fluctuations and imbalances that don’t occur in men.

Sometimes, your sex also plays a role in how a mental health disorder develops and progresses. At Pro Health Psychiatry, the team is sensitive to the differences between the sexes and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.

What symptoms do women’s mental health issues cause?

The symptoms you experience depend on the nature and severity of your condition but may include:

• Persistent sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Alcohol or drug misuse
• Poor sleep
• Unintentional weight changes
• Chronic fatigue
• Unjustified fears or constant worrying
• Visual or aural hallucinations
• Exceptionally high or low moods
• Irritability
• Social withdrawal
• Self-harm or thoughts of suicide

You might also have unexplained aches, pains, digestive problems, or headaches.

What women’s mental health conditions are most common?

Women’s mental health conditions the Pro Health Psychiatry team sees most often include:

• Prenatal depression

  The prenatal period leads up to childbirth. Some women experience low mood, persistent sadness, and despair that adversely affect their pregnancy.

• Postpartum depression

  Changes in hormone levels after childbirth can trigger depression that is often intense and interferes with your ability to enjoy this special time in your baby’s life. Postpartum psychosis is a more severe form.

• Premenstrual disorders

  Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) causes mood changes and other symptoms during certain phases of the menstrual cycle. It’s a common problem affecting millions of women. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form.

How are women’s mental health issues treated?

The Pro Health Psychiatry team offers various treatments for women’s mental health issues, including:

• Medications like antidepressants
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Psychotherapy or counseling
• Lifestyle changes

The team works with your primary care provider, delivering collaborative care that optimizes your outcomes.

Learn how to overcome your women’s mental health issues by calling Pro Health Psychiatry today or schedule an appointment online.