How to my female hormones impact my mental health?

Do my female hormones affect my mental health?

Women regularly experience changes in their hormones from their menstrual cycle but also during transitions in life such as puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause.  These natural changes in hormones can have an impact on mood and mental health.

What do we mean by female hormones?  

Hormones are like a messenger service, that co-ordinate different functions in the body.  The main female hormones are estrogen, progesterone, and to a lesser extent testosterone.  These control reproductive and sexual development, prepare our bodies for periods, pregnancy and menopause, as well as our libido (sex drive). You can learn more about these hormones and how they impact us from our incredible Femmi endocrinologist Dr Izzy Smith.

But how do hormones impact mood during a menstrual cycle?  

Menstrual cycles have different phases: follicular (the start of a period); ovulatory (when an egg is released); and luteal (following ovulation).  Many people who have a menstrual cycle experience some level of increased distress or lower self-esteem during menstruation, and symptoms of pre-existing mental health difficulties can increase during the luteal and early follicular phase.  Estrogen levels peak during ovulation and are linked to feeling more positive, more self-confident and having a higher sex drive.  Some research has found that women are more aware of others’ emotions during their period.

Premenstrual Syndrome

Around 3 out 4 people who have periods, experience some level of premenstrual syndrome (or PMS).  PMS usually occurs in the luteal phase and you might notice feeling more anxious, sadder or crying more easily, having a shorter fuse, not wanting to socialise, finding it harder to sleep or not being able to concentrate.  This usually resolves after starting your period but some women experience more severe mood changes over a longer duration.  This is called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).  It is thought that the rapid reduction of progesterone and estrogen in the luteal phase could be linked with the severity of symptoms and women can experience depression, mood swings, a higher awareness of negativity in others and can be more socially withdrawn.

Research suggests that women experience depression and anxiety up to two times more frequently than men.  Although the factors that impact mental health are complex, especially for women if we consider discrimination, prejudice and gender inequality, hormones can play a part in this.  Rates of depression are higher in adolescent females following their periods starting; in pregnancy due to changes in hormone regulation; and there’s an association with the changes in reproductive hormones during menopause and depressive symptoms.

All women are different

Having said all of that, every woman is different and it’s important to get to know your body, understand how your menstrual cycle impacts your mood and know what works for you.  It’s also important to be able to recognise changes and talk about them with your whānau, family, friends or a GP if you feel worried about how your hormones are impacting your mood.

We’re all unique individuals, so different ways of coping work for different people.  Basic self-care is always useful: getting enough rest, a good night’s sleep; moving your body in a way that feels good; and nourishing your body with tasty food.  Know what’s your “normal” and show yourself kindness and self-compassion.  We’re all perfectly imperfect and we all sometimes need to be gentle with ourselves.  And as always, if you’re struggling, letting someone know and seeking help.

So yes female hormones can impact your mental health but they don’t have to control you.  You can figure out positive coping strategies and know what works best for you.