Throughout history and many cultures, mood swings, overthinking, and being too emotional have been ascribed to women’s hormonal changes. Unfortunately, the connection between hormones and mood swings have led to women being called “crazy” or “overly emotional” because it is the “time of the month”. Over the past years, there have been many studies formed to look into the impacts of reproductive hormones on women’s mental states.
Hormones and the Brain
Estrogen and other gonadal hormones have their affects on the brain and one’s mental state. Many are now starting to understand the developments of multiple physiological effects estrogen has on the brain. Furthermore, studies have shown a hypothesis of “estrogen protection”. This theory says that estrogen protects women who are vulnerable to the development of mental disorders.
Estrogen’s protective elements are able to modify the brain’s chemical charges and neural circuits, located mainly in the estrogen receptors within the hypothalamus. Estrogen plays a huge role on multiple brain chemical distributions such as that of serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline – those being key elements in releasing chemical imbalances when hormone levels are up or down, which can develop into mental illnesses like schizophrenia, depression, and others.
Levels of psychosis have been observed during low estrogen states of the menstrual cycle. Pre-menstrual depression is linked to having low levels of estrogen, which causes a woman to feel moody before her cycle begins. However, perimenopausal depression is caused by the decrease of gonadal hormones during menopause.
Nonetheless, it is not surprising that studies are showing more benefits surrounding estrogen levels to improve depression, psychotic episodes, mania, and anxiety. Balanced hormones prevent and enhance cognitive behaviors. In addition, doctors have made discoveries for the use of additional hormones to treat mental illnesses such as mania and psychosis while having depressive symptoms. Wearing estrogen patches can decrease a woman’s minor psychosis symptoms if used correctly alongside with other usual treatments.
It is clear that estrogen is relatively linked with women’s emotional states. Anxiety and depression are affected by women’s production of estrogen over the years. Estrogen levels also have an effect on postpartum depression.
Estrogen: What is Normal?
During the beginning of puberty, women go through different stages. Their ovaries start releasing estrogen coordinated in a monthly routine. However, some might have hormonal imbalances which causes them to skip a month and have a disrupted menstrual cycle. Normal estrogen levels vary from woman to woman. The level of estrogen does not predict emotional stability – it can depend genetically.
Estrogen effects may include –
- Increase in serotonin
- Releasing “feel good” chemicals and modifying endorphins in the brain
- Nerve protection from damage and stimulating nerve growth
With that being said, these effects mean that, in a woman’s life, these effects are almost impossible to predict as estrogen levels and actions are too complex. Despite the fact that estrogen has positive effects on the brain, many women feel their moods improving after they go through menopause, when estrogen levels are at an extreme low.
How to Feel Better When Going Through Hormonal Imbalances
Get a good amount of sleep – Our bodies need to rest and regulate themselves to function at a healthy pace. So, get enough sleep and rest. Lack of sleep can also cause mood swings and feeling irritated.
Exercise regularly – Exercising on a regular basis helps reduce fatigue and can control hormonal imbalances, especially if you are struggling with PCOS.
Try yoga or any form of medication – Mild stretching and yoga, as well as meditating, will help and allow to regulate mood swings and period cramps.
Quit smoking – Smoking can cause irregular hormone imbalances and can increase estrogen levels.