Survey study, 2000
Why do women get more anxious when hormone levels drop?
Falling estrogen and progesterone levels may trigger anxiety and mood disorders by affecting how brain receptors that control anxiety and mood work. The exact mechanism is not yet fully understood.
What they did
A review article discussing how ovarian hormones affect anxiety and mood during menopause and at other times of hormone change, such as the premenstrual phase and postpartum period.
What they found
Around 35% of women seek medical help for menopausal symptoms. Anxiety, forgetfulness, depressed mood, sleep problems, and other symptoms are common when ovarian hormone levels drop, including during premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum blues, and menopause. Progesterone metabolites have anxiety-reducing properties. Ovarian hormones appear to act as calming agents in specific brain regions.
What it means for you
The hormone drops that happen before your period, after birth, or at menopause may cause anxiety because hormones help keep mood and anxiety stable. However, the exact biological mechanism is not proven, and this is a review discussing existing ideas rather than presenting new evidence.
35%
Of women seek medical help for menopausal symptoms
About the study
- Original title
- [Menopause and anxiety: focus on steroidal hormones and GABAA receptor]
- Authors
- Toriizuka K, Mizowaki M, Hanawa T
- Journal
- Nihon yakurigaku zasshi. Folia pharmacologica Japonica
- Year
- 2000
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None. Theoretical review article.
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1254/fpj.115.21
Topics
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