*Disclaimer: In this blog, the term “woman” is used to encompass all individuals who identify as female, as well as those with female genitalia. We recognize and respect the diversity of gender identities and expressions, and our intention is to be inclusive of all who experience female-specific health concerns. *
Women’s health, both mental and physical, has been drastically overlooked since the beginning of the scientific era. The world was, and still is, a mainly male dominant society, especially when it comes to the world of science and the wealthy people who fund research. Practically all the research that we currently have on human health has been concluded from studies done on cisgender men. We are put under the assumption that men and women are the same and require the same treatments to solve health issues.
As a woman myself, I am confident in my belief that men and women are completely different on both the physical and mental levels. Men’s reproductive organs are run by the cycles of the sun, reproducing sperm every 24 hours. This allows men the strength to remain relatively steady in their emotions throughout the course of a month as their hormone levels stay constant. Women’s reproductive organs are governed by the cycles of the moon, releasing an egg and menstruating roughly once a month (pre-menopause). With this, our hormones and emotions change with the waxing and waning of the moon. Our energy levels fluctuate throughout the month, often needing special care and rest during our menstruation time. Our bodies then change even further as we go through the process of menopause. With a lack of studies and support for women in our ever-changing cycles, we can easily feel disconnected. This disconnect can lead to various physical and mental illness, oftentimes overlooked by the current medical system.
Women are at a Higher Risk of Developing Various Disorders
The ovarian hormone in women begins to fluctuate after puberty. The beginning of this fluctuation correlates to a higher risk of depression among women. The risk for women is much higher than men during the post puberty years. During menopause, the fluctuations increase even further and there is a spike in the risk of depression for women. This results in women being 2 to 3 times more likely to develop depression and anxiety than men. Women have a higher prevalence of eating disorders, PTSD, and stress-related conditions. Women are at a higher risk for psychiatric disorders during the reproductive years and at transitional stages throughout the life cycle.
There are many environmental factors that affect the mental health of women much more than men. These factors include:
- Women are more likely to experience traumatic events throughout their life
- The wage gap results in women making less much money than men.
- Women experience greater work-life balance stress including managing the household and childbearing.
- Women feel greater stress about physical appearance and body image due to social pressures and beauty standards.
- Women are more vulnerable to stress-induced relapse of addiction disorders.
These results raise the question: If women are at a higher risk of developing disorders, why is there such limited research in this area? It feels as though we are at a tipping point, finally acknowledging how skewed our systems are, especially for women, and beginning to shift more focus into women’s health. Our society is also becoming more open to the use of psychedelics in a therapeutic setting. Psychedelic therapy has proven to be life changing for many women, finally an approach to healing that works to uncover the root of the issue and create a deeper body-mind connection.
The Healing Power of Psychedelics for Women
Recent studies suggest that psychedelics may offer a range of benefits for women’s health issues. Here are some of the key areas where they may have a positive impact:
- Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: This method involves guided therapy sessions where individuals use psychedelics to gain insights into personal challenges, promoting psychological healing. Psychedelics can “re-wire” our brains. This can help to reset the rigid thought patterns and beliefs that lead to eating disorders, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Symptom Modulation: Psychedelics have the potential to alleviate chronic pain and low mood by addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of these conditions. Many women suffer for years from chronic pain and migraines and are cast away by our traditional healthcare system. The healthcare system is not equipped to deal with the energetic connections in the body and end up informing many women that there is no visible problem and there is nothing they can do to help. This can plunge women into depression, as they feel unsupported in the face of their very real pain, potentially leading them to take their own life.
- Neurobiological Interventions: While research is still emerging, there is potential for psychedelics to influence hormone regulation and neurotransmitter interactions.
- Preventive Measures: Psychedelics may help reduce the risk of developing mental health disorders and enhance overall well-being.
- Intermittent Use: Administering psychedelics on an as-needed basis can minimize side effects and make them more suitable for women, particularly those who are breastfeeding.
- Historical Context: Indigenous cultures, particularly women, have long utilized psychoactive plants for healing, offering valuable insights into the potential applications of psychedelics.
- Ketamine for Postpartum Depression: Ketamine has shown promise in treating postpartum depression, although further research is necessary to establish optimal dosing and timing.
- Microdosing: This approach involves taking small doses of psychedelics and has been reported by some women to alleviate symptoms related to menstruation and menopause.
As we continue to explore the potential of psychedelics in women’s health, it is important to focus on individualized approaches that consider the unique hormonal and psychological needs of women. By embracing this innovative avenue of treatment, we may finally be able to address the long-standing gaps in women’s health research and provide meaningful, effective solutions for those in need.
Supporting Women
We know how frustrating it can be to live in a world that is so male oriented. To be constantly taken for granted and overlooked. To feel deep pain and disconnect and be met by a system that does not know how to help. Here at ATMA CENA we strive to create a safe environment where you are able to create a deep relationship with your therapist before deciding what treatment option is best for you. Treatment is always tailored to your exact needs, and we take into account the full scope of the struggles you may be facing. The truth is this world is not an easy place for women to live and we carry a great deal of pain just by existing. We need extra space, support and care to process what it feels like to be a woman in this current historical context. Our team is here to support you in this way, in a way that actually helps. Through the use of psychedelics and connection, we strive to resolve the root of the issue, releasing deep rooted pain so that you can live your life in a lighter, more loving way.
If this resonates with you, we invite you to book a free information call. We wish to help you on your path to healing as best we can.
References:
- Psychedelic Therapy for Women’s Health Issues by Katharine Chan – based on research by Allison Feduccia Ph.D., Co-Founder of Psychedelic Support and a neuropharmacologist: https://psychedelic.support/resources/psychedelic-therapy-for-womens-health/
- Psychedelics Are Having a Moment, and Women Could Be the Ones to Benefit by Taylor Majewski: https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/08/10/1057146/psychedelics-scentific-research-women/
- Exploring Psychedelics for Unmet Needs in Women’s Reproductive Health by Sara Shoar, Alissa Bazinet, and Chaitra Jairaj: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/psymed.2024.0033
