15. Inflammatory Depression: What’s Really Behind Low Mood in Perimenopause

What if your low mood isn’t just hormonal—or “just stress”—but a sign of inflammation in your brain and body?In this episode, I’m breaking down the concept of inflammatory depression and why so many women in perimenopause feel anxious, flat, foggy, or fatigued and are handed a prescription before anyone investigates what’s actually going on.I’ll walk you through how inflammation, hormone shifts, nutrient deficiencies, gut imbalances, and nervous system dysregulation all contribute to low mood and what to do about it. You’ll also hear a powerful case study of a woman who healed her mood by targeting the real root causes.In this episode, we cover:03:00 The hormonal imbalances that mimic or trigger depression04:00 What inflammatory depression is—and why it’s not just about serotonin06:00 How inflammation affects neurotransmitters, brain signaling, and mood07:30 The top causes of brain inflammation in midlife13:00 What labs and markers I run to assess mood-related imbalances16:00 My go-to nutrients, herbs, and functional tools for supporting mood19:00 Homeopathic remedies I use based on emotional patterns22:30 A case study: how inflammation, nutrient depletion, and dysregulation were behind one patient’s “treatment-resistant” depressionLinks and resources:Vagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signupSeeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journal21-Day Gut Healing Reset: https://drkellylivingston.com/gutreset/getting-startedLab Interpretation Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/book-report-2/LandingConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.