Attention women: Read this before you take another antidepressant

Could it really be possible that one of the most popular class of drugs might be driving a major health disaster that spans several generations of women?

The answer, in one word: Yes.

Researchers have found a potential link between antidepressant use and an increased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Revealed: The antidepressants could be putting you at risk of breast and ovarian cancer

According to Jenny Thompson of the Health Sciences Institute, recently, a US team of researchers at Harvard University reviewed more than 60 trials, covering 35 years of research, going all the way back to 1965.

They found that approximately one-third of the studies suggested a higher risk of ovarian and breast cancers for antidepressant drug users.

“That news alone would be bad enough. But this study has multiple layers to peel back - one disturbing layer after another,” says Thompson.

For instance, among the different types of antidepressants, researchers found that the cancer link appears to be slightly stronger with women who use the very popular selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Researchers also found a surprising association with the length of antidepressant use and the risk of cancer. In the study’s conclusions, the authors theorise that short-term use or low dose antidepressants may increase your risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

In addition, women who have either of these cancers in early stages may worsen the severity of their disease if they take antidepressants.

Is there an alternative to antidepressants?

If you’re looking for a safer alternative to antidepressants, you can use the herb St. John’s Wort. It’s been shown to work about as well as antidepressants, minus the cancer risk.

In addition, several other supplements have been proven to help keep depression in check. Vitamin D, high levels of B vitamins (which include folate, a proven depression-fighter) magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids have all been shown to help reduce depressive symptoms.

Regular exercise, deep breathing and a little direct sunlight exposure (for optimal vitamin D levels) are also very helpful for some.

Now that you know the dangers that antidepressants pose to your health, make sure you protect yourself from this unnecessary cancer risk.