Hormones and mood throughout the lifespan
19 Jul 2012

Hormones and mood throughout the lifespan

2 mins to read
Women may be more susceptible to disorders of low mood during times of hormonal fluctuations in their lives. Naturopath Jennifer McLennan takes a closer look.


Reproductive hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, are thought to share common binding sites with neurotransmitters in the areas of the brain controlling emotion. Hormonal fluctuations experienced during menarche, menopause, postpartum and pre-menstrually, can act like doorways predisposing women to disorders of low mood.

So what’s going on during these times of change? Well there is no clear cut answer, however during:

  • The adolescent years: Hormonal fluctuations and changes as well as social pressures, body changes and body image pressures may all affect mood.
  • PMS: It is thought that fluctuating pre-menstrual hormones may influence the amounts and the availability of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin in the brain
  • Pregnancy and post partum: Both oestrogen and progesterone increase throughout pregnancy until birth, where there is a sudden decline. These hormonal changes, as well as other factors, such as financial and work pressures, lack of sleep and changes in relationships may all play a role in triggering emotional events.
  • The menopause: Hormonal transition involves a decline in oestrogen and a stimulation of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), which may play a role in emotional health.

Complementary medicine can help those with mild feelings of sadness and anxiety, but it’s best to talk to your health care professional for further help, or if you are pregnant.

St John’s wort is a herb that produces yellow flowers, and was traditionally gathered when celebrating the feast of St John, hence it’s name. In present times, St John’s wort has been studied for it’s positive effect on neurotransmitters in the brain. It naturally contains active constituents such as hypericin, that are believed to positively affect low mood, anxiety, and sadness.

Women suffering from irritability and anxiety may find nervous system relaxing herbs such as passion flower, lemon balm and lavender helpful. Also essential oils of lavender and lemon balm may assist women suffering from poor concentration and poor mental clarity. B complex can be added for added stress support.

For women who feel exhausted or who are burning the candle at both ends, tonic herbs, otherwise known as adaptogens may be helpful. Adaptogens, as the name implies, have been used traditionally to help the body adapt and cope with different situations including stress. Tonic herbs include ginseng, withania (winter cherry), ginseng and liquorice. In the case of withania, it has been traditionally used to help support and cope with poor sleep, which can be beneficial for menopausal women.

Exercise is considered to be beneficial for improving low mood and anxiety. It has also been shown to help to maintain healthy hormonal levels in women, improve energy and feelings of wellbeing and facilitate sleep.

References available upon request



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