Hormones And Mood

Estrogen is the hormone which affects mood. There are estrogen receptors in various organs throughout the body, including the brain. Consequently, the loss of estrogen makes many different physical symptoms-loss of elasticity of the skin, bones Constriction, mood and cognitive decline. When estrogen levels increase, on the other hand, as in the first week after menstruation, increasing their overall impact on the amount of serotonin in the brain cells, the mood improved. Within the brain, estrogen may act in fact as a natural antidepressant and mood stabilizer.

We know that during the menstruation cycle women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The hormone estrogen is what affects mood. Estrogen is a “feel-good” hormone because of the way it affects the brain. This hormone gives increased levels of neurotransmitters to the brain. These chemicals include endorphins, enkephalins and serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that has a direct influence on emotions and appetite. The levels of these chemicals spike in preparation for pregnancy but decline when implantation does not occur. The loss of these chemicals causes mood changes, often referred to as Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, or PMS. Moods during the menstrual cycle can swing from elation to depression, and the ranges for each woman can be mild to severe. A condition known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, can happen when emotional and behavioral symptoms become intense. Some of these symptoms are rage, violence, sudden bursts of anger, severe depression and panic attacks. Any woman experiencing such intense symptoms associated with her menstrual cycle needs to speak with her health care provider as there are treatments for these symptoms.

Thanks,

Health, February-2013