Hormones, Mental Health, and Menopause

From postpartum mood changes to the emotional highs and lows of menopause, hormones play a critical role in our mental and physical well-being. But how much do we really understand about these shifts, and how can we better navigate them?

The statistics paint a clear picture. Postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 women in the United States, and over 50% of menopausal women report experiencing depression or anxiety. Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from anxiety disorders, a disparity often linked to hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives. So let’s talk about it. 

Our guest today, Dr. Kristen Beardslee, is a reproductive psychiatrist with over 12 years of experience as a Certified Nurse Midwife and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. Dr. Beardslee is the Medical Director at The Alliance Center in Connecticut where she specializes in mental health care for women and offers a trauma-informed, holistic approach that integrates hormonal health with mental wellness.