Do Antidepressants Affect Hormones? A Close-Up Look at the Relationship Between Antidepressants and Hormones

You’re feeling off. You may have already been diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance, or are questioning if that’s what’s making you feel so off. 

And after spending some time behind the computer screen, you’re here, wondering, “Can antidepressants cause hormone imbalance?” Could the medicine you’re taking to help one issue be causing another? 

We have the information you’re looking for and hope to help you gain some perspective on your hormones and antidepressant usage. 

Keep reading for more information on:

• If antidepressants affect hormones
• Which hormones may be affected; and 
• How you may be able to balance hormones and manage depression and anxiety naturally 
  

Table of Contents

Yes, it is possible that your antidepressants may be causing a hormone imbalance. 

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) all increase the level of hormones in your body, specifically, serotonin. 

Research is mixed on whether antidepressants play a significant role in hormone imbalances, but there are studies proving they may have some effect: 

• Although limited, some research suggests that antidepressants may also affect sex hormones. For example, women experiencing premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PPMD), may experience relief from symptoms while taking Prozac. 
• Other studies have found that both men and women may experience decreased libido, not due to any decrease or increase in the hormones you generally think of as sex hormones, but because SSRIs can decrease the levels of dopamine being produced — a hormone necessary to feel aroused and “in the mood.” 

It’s important to note that antidepressants may play a role in hormone production and that … 

• Depression
• Anxiety, and 
• Other mental illnesses 

… may actually be due to hormonal imbalances.

For this reason, it is vital that you pinpoint the cause so that you can get back to your best health — both physically and mentally. 

If you are taking antidepressants and notice any of the following symptoms … 

• Weight gain
• Unexplained or sudden weight loss
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Joint paint or swelling
• Sensitivity to heat or cold
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Increased hunger or thirst
• Decreased sex drive
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair
• Puffy face; or 
• Infertility 

… we recommend talking with your physician to see if you are dealing with a hormone imbalance. 

Not all cases may show that your antidepressants are causing a hormonal imbalance. In fact, many times, it’s the underlying issue — i.e. anxiety or depression — that is causing your hormonal imbalance.



Research shows that there may be some correlation between taking antidepressants and estrogen levels. 

For example, studies have found that SSRIs may decrease estrogen levels while increasing androgen levels in women. 

Additionally, the antidepressant, Fluoxetine (FLX), also known as Prozac, is a commonly used SSRI that can interfere with estrogen signaling in the body. This signaling is vital for the development of women’s sex organs, as well as certain brain areas — resulting in affected receptor activity or a change in hormone levels. 

Symptoms you may experience if you are dealing with decreased estrogen levels include: 

• Decreased sex drive
• Painful intercourse
• Trouble sleeping
• Dry skin
• Breast tenderness
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Vaginal dryness
• Lack of periods or irregular periods
• Weight gain
• Headaches before or during your period; and
• Fatigue
  

Besides decreasing estrogen levels, SSRIs have been found to decrease testosterone levels.

The most common symptoms associated with low testosterone levels include: 

• Lack of sex drive
• Reduced erectile function
• Loss of hair
• Loss of lean muscle mass
• Extreme fatigue; and 
• Obesity
  

SSRIs and SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin in your brain to help balance hormones and calm symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

But as we all know, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. 

If your body produces too much serotonin, commonly referred to as serotonin syndrome, you may experience: 

• Fever
• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Restlessness
• Extreme agitation
• Increased heart rate
• Blood pressure fluctuations
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; or
• Seizures
  

Using serotonin inhibitors may cause increased prolactin levels — a hormone produced by your pituitary gland, responsible for:

• Lactation
• Breast development, and 
• Other actions required for your body to maintain homeostasis 

SSRI overactivity causes this increase in prolactin levels and can happen in both men and women.

 Symptoms associated with too much prolactin being produced include:

• Infertility
• Breast milk leakage in people who aren't nursing
• Irregular or no periods (in women) 
• Hirsutism
• Hot flashes
• Loss of interest in sex; and
• Painful or uncomfortable intercourse

SSRIs have been shown to affect thyroid function by: 

• Reducing the amount of T4 hormone levels in the body; and 
• Affecting the signaling from your hypothalamus, limiting the production of hormones 

One study even found that in some cases, short-term usage of SSRIs may be to blame for hypothyroidism. 



Although there is no way to know for certain if your antidepressants are causing it, it is possible to detect a hormone imbalance in several ways: 

1. Conducting a urinalysis: Your physician will order a urinalysis where multiple samples of your urine are collected for up to 24 hours. 
2. Collecting blood samples: Blood samples can be taken at your lab or in your home, and can test for dozens of hormones. 
3. Saliva testing: This test requires you to collect your saliva in tubes for several days, and is most commonly used to understand hormone levels in women approaching menopause. 
4. Nutrition Response Testing (NRT): For those seeking a more natural, completely non-invasive approach to their hormones, a physical analysis, known as Nutrition Response Testing, is also available. NRT tests your body’s neurological reflexes and your acupressure points, to help determine: 
5. If you have a hormonal imbalance
6. What’s causing the imbalance; and
7. Any underlying issues that may cause the need for antidepressants

NRT is a safe and effective way to diagnose and potentially treat hormone imbalances by determining your body’s specific needs and helping you return to a balanced state.

If you’re looking for a more natural approach to your health and wellbeing, it is important to understand that while it is possible to manage …

• Depression
• Anxiety, or 
• Hormonal imbalances 

… naturally, it may be necessary to do so under the supervision of a medical professional. 

We discuss some of the most common natural ways to manage depression and hormonal imbalance below. 

Simple changes in your diet can have an enormous impact on your hormone levels and your mental health. 

Did you know that eating large amounts of red meat or foods high in soy can increase your estrogen levels? Increased amounts of caffeine may increase the level of cortisol your body produces, resulting in a greater perceived level of stress.

Multiple studies have also linked depression, anger, and loss of motivation to food allergies and sensitivities. When the studies' participants removed said foods from their diets, their symptoms lessened, and in some instances disappeared completely. 

There are several vitamins and nutritional supplements available to help you overcome hormonal imbalance, including: 

• Ascorbic acid
• Vitamin D3
• Vitamin K2
• B Vitamins
• Magnesium
• Probiotics
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• And more 

If you’re searching for a natural approach to overcoming anxiety or depression, consider adding the following supplements to your diet: 

• Fish oil
• Vitamin D
• Methylfolate
• S-adenosylmethionine; or
• St John’s Wort

It’s important to note that whenever you are dealing with mental illness, such as depression, always consult a medical professional. 

Whether you’re searching for a way to balance your hormones or manage your depression, Dr. Sergi at HealthierU can help you. 

NRT can help pinpoint any imbalances in the body to help determine what is causing the problem — whether it be a hormone imbalance or depression — to create a plan to address any issues as naturally as possible. 

Your individualized plan will involve guidance on … 

• Changes in your lifestyle
• Nutritional suggestions; and 
• The best supplements for your unique needs

… to help bring balance to your body. 

Contact Dr. Sergi today to learn how we can help you determine the cause of your hormone imbalance.