{"id":30686,"date":"2021-05-13T09:30:39","date_gmt":"2021-05-13T13:30:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=30686"},"modified":"2025-04-29T19:54:16","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T23:54:16","slug":"female-hormones-and-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/female-hormones-and-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"What you should know about the impact of hormones on women\u2019s mental health"},"content":{"rendered":"

When dealing with mental health issues like anxiety and depression, it\u2019s easy to overlook hormone dysregulation\u2014but balanced hormones are vital not only for a healthy body, but also for a healthy mind. Hormones, or chemicals made in glands of the endocrine system, are regulators of many bodily processes. They control metabolism, mood, reproductive function, and sexual health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hormone dysregulation occurs when too much or not enough of a hormone is released by the endocrine system. In women, hormonal imbalances can cause or worsen symptoms like insomnia, hot flushes, mood fluctuations, anxiety, or depression. Because female hormone levels and fluctuations are complex, it\u2019s important to be aware of how hormones and mental health are connected.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How hormone dysregulation affects women\u2019s mental health<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hormones have a powerful effect on women\u2019s brain chemistry, mental health, and mood, says <\/span>Darren Salinger, MD<\/span><\/a>, the chief of obstetrics and gynecology for KIDZ Medical Services in Miami-Dade. \u201cEstrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all have important roles in women\u2019s health and emotions,\u201d he says. These hormones, when out of balance, can contribute to or worsen existing mental health issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reproductive hormones and stress hormones can also cause mental health side effects. \u201cDrops in estrogen and progesterone can make us irritable and anxious,\u201d says <\/span>Gillian Goddard, MD<\/span><\/a>, a New York\u2013based endocrinologist. \u201cThe stress hormone cortisol can cause anxiety and depression that can be severe if left unaddressed.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the <\/span>National Institute of Mental Health<\/span><\/a>, continuously heightened stress levels can result in a wide array of health issues, including mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression. \u201cWhen stress occurs,\u201d Dr. Salinger says, \u201cit can raise cortisol and DHEA, which leads to a spike in blood sugar and insulin. This in turn can lead to lower serotonin, which provides the calm, feel-good brain neurotransmitter. Ultimately, this sequence causes many kinds of psychological issues.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The thyroid gland is thought of as the gas-pedal of the body. Hormonal imbalances of the thyroid can also be problematic when it comes to mental health. \u201cBoth an underactive and overactive thyroid can cause anxiety, although the quality of the anxiety can be different,\u201d Dr. Goddard says. \u201cAn underactive thyroid tends to worsen underlying anxiety [and] can also cause depression, [while] an overactive thyroid can cause jittery anxiety similar to drinking too much caffeine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Common hormonal imbalance symptoms in females<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hormonal dysregulation can lead to emotional problems, says Dr. Salinger. Unfortunately, it also works the other way around. \u201cHormone imbalance can lead to stress, and stress can lead to hormone imbalance,\u201d he says.<\/span><\/p>\n

In those with underlying depression or anxiety, hormonal dysregulation can worsen emotional issues like irritability, depression and anxiety, Dr. Goddard says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms of hormone dysregulation can include:<\/span><\/p>\n