One of the first things I explore with my female clients is hormones and the powerful impact they have on mood and emotions. From the start of menstruation through perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes can significantly shape a woman’s emotional wellbeing. These experiences are real, valid, and deserve to be understood.
Hormones play a vital role in regulating both the body and mind, but they can also contribute to emotional difficulties. Research shows that mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more common during major hormonal transitions. While boys and girls experience similar rates of depression in childhood, by adolescence girls are twice as likely to be affected, a difference that continues throughout life.
So, could hormones be part of the explanation? For many women, the answer is yes. In the days leading up to a period, levels of estrogen and progesterone drop. This can lead to irritability, fatigue, sadness, and anxiety. Some women experience a more severe condition known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which can include intense mood swings and even suicidal thoughts.
At other times, hormones can have a positive effect. Higher estrogen levels before ovulation are often linked to improved mood and wellbeing. Similarly, allopregnanolone, a hormone produced from progesterone, can have calming effects.
Hormonal changes aren’t exclusive to women. Men also experience gradual declines in testosterone as they age, which can affect mood, although typically less dramatically.
Another important piece of the puzzle is the body’s stress response. When we feel anxious, the brain triggers a chain reaction that releases cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. While helpful in short bursts, prolonged stress responses can negatively impact both physical and emotional health.
The thyroid also plays a key role. Hormones like T3 and T4 regulate energy, temperature, and heart rate. When levels are too high, anxiety can increase; when too low, depression is common. The encouraging news is that correcting thyroid imbalances often relieves these symptoms.
A recent survey highlights just how widespread these challenges are What’s the Connection Between Mood Swings, Anxiety, and Hormones?:
- 93% of women felt dismissed when seeking medical help
- 50% experienced anxiety, depression, or mood changes
- 55% reported brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- 48% experienced chronic fatigue
Menopause, in particular, can have a profound psychological impact. Common symptoms include mood swings, anxiety, sleep disturbances, joint pain and memory issues. Unfortunately, these symptoms are sometimes misdiagnosed as mental health disorders, leading to treatments that may not address the root cause. For some individuals, particularly those who are autistic or have ADHD, menopause can also bring increased awareness of their neurodivergence. Understanding this can allow for self-compassion and help to develop effective coping strategies. Menopause
While medical support and counselling are essential, it’s equally important to support the basics: good sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise as they all play a key role in stabilizing mood.
If you’re struggling, you’re not alone and you don’t have to navigate this by yourself. At Insight Therapy, we offer a supportive space to explore these challenges and better understand your experience.
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