For years, the exhaustion, the intrusive thoughts, the numbness, and the shame that can follow pregnancy and childbirth were mostly whispered about, if they were spoken of at all. That’s changing. As CNN reported this week, women are increasingly telling their stories about maternal mental health “on the internet, at work, at home and in […]
Depression and anxiety during pregnancy are common, underdiagnosed, and clinically significant. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), up to 1 in 5 women experience mood or anxiety disorders during pregnancy or the postpartum period, with consequences that can affect both maternal and fetal outcomes. While psychotherapy and medication remain important tools, […]
A new study published in Neurology suggests that estradiol-based hormone therapy may offer cognitive benefits for postmenopausal women, specifically in areas of memory function. According to the research, postmenopausal women who used estradiol – whether in oral or transdermal form – scored higher on specific memory measures compared to their peers who never used menopausal […]
JAMA Patient Page March 14, 2024 What Is Perinatal Depression? Rebecca Voelker, MSJ1 Author Affiliations Article Information JAMA. 2024;331(14):1254. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.0434 erinatal depression can occur during pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth. Perinatal depression, also called postpartum depression, affects about 1 in 7 perinatal individuals. More than 75% of these individuals receive no treatment for perinatal depression. Onset […]
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted endocrine disorder affecting millions of women worldwide. Beyond its widely recognized physical manifestations, recent studies have shed light on a concerning correlation between PCOS and mental health disorders, particularly depression and suicidal ideation. The findings of a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine underline the gravity […]
El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, California is renowned for its innovative programs and services. One such program is the Maternal Outreach Mood Services (MOMS) program, which has been designed to support new mothers who are experiencing emotional distress after giving birth. The MOMS program provides a comprehensive range of services to new mothers, including […]
We’re fortunate to live in a time when mental health issues are being more widely recognized and treated. Postpartum depression is an area that has seen a lot of attention in the last decade and yet there is still so much more to be done. The condition is characterized by mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, […]
60% of middle-aged women report difficulty concentrating and experiencing cognitive issues. While a cognitive decline is expected with age, studies indicate that a contributing factor could be menopause, which is characterized by a decline in reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen, primarily known for its function in menstruation and reproductive well-being, also serves […]
Many women get anxious during pregnancy. It is a very common reaction to something new, scary, and incredibly important in life. There is a common saying that “once you know you are pregnant you worry for the rest of your life.” In pregnancy, as in most other important things in life, a […]
Your physician has probably told you many times how great exercise is for your health. Most doctors also point out it’s huge role in mental health. Mostly, when we talk about exercise we’re talking about aerobic activities: running, biking, even Zumba. JAMA Psychiatry just published a large review of over 30 clinical trials which […]