Our bodies go through incredible changes during our lifetime. Our hormones take center stage – these powerful chemical messengers have such a big impact on our physical health too and how we feel emotionally.
Through my own journey, both personally and professionally, I have seen how much our hormones can affect our mental well-being, and in the journey of womanhood, there are many changes that we need to navigate with care and sensitivity.
Women’s health is an area that has been at the forefront of my career, and the strength of women in the JSHealth community inspires me every day. Let’s celebrate the different stages of life and see each one as an opportunity to show ourselves deeper understanding, compassion and self-care.
Ready to dig in? Read on to explore how your hormone levels change from your first period to menopause and how this relates to your mental health.
Adolescence
The teenage years mark a time of great change – socially, emotionally and biologically. When puberty begins, the body experiences changes in the hormonal level, signaling the beginning of the ability to reproduce.
As the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in the body is activated, it prepares for its first menstrual cycle by increasing levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This period in life includes not only physical changes but also a greater chance of experiencing mood disorders. How the HPG axis (related to puberty) and the HPA axis (related to stress, we’ll cover this in more detail later!) communicate with each other during adolescence has been shown to affect mental health. This makes the teenage years a very important time for intellectual and emotional development.
Research shows a link between the onset of puberty and an increased risk of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety1. This is due to hormonal fluctuations, along with the mental and social challenges that come with puberty.
The monthly menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is a monthly sign of the complex hormonal changes that affect a woman’s body. From the high energies of the follicular phase to the more introspective luteal phase, a woman’s state of mind can often reflect the ebb and flow of her sex hormones.
During the cycle, from the beginning of their period until the moment of ovulation, the levels of the two hormones estrogen and progesterone begin to rise and fall.
For some, these hormonal changes can cause premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or a more severe form of it known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). These conditions are accompanied by emotional and physical symptoms that can significantly affect daily life2. Understanding and tracking these hormonal changes can empower women to manage their mental health more proactively. We are our own biggest advocates!
Pregnancy and postpartum
Throughout pregnancy, a surge of estrogen and progesterone floods the body, affecting both physical and emotional changes. This hormonal whirlwind can lead to mood swings, anxiety and even antenatal depression affecting up to 1 in 10 pregnant women3.
After the baby is born, hormone levels drop quickly, combined with the new responsibilities of being a mom – all of which can be overwhelming. This unique combination can make them more vulnerable to postpartum depression, a condition that affects around one in seven women4. It is so important that we understand these risks so that we can offer the right support to those who need it during these times. Creating a supportive environment and encouraging open discussions about these experiences can help new mothers face these challenges with confidence and assurance.
Menopause
As women approach their late 40s and early 50s, they begin the transition to menopause, which is marked by the end of menstrual cycles. This period, known as perimenopause, involves many incredible hormonal changes in the body that can last up to several years, which can then lead to a range of symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings and changes in sexual desire.
Studies have shown that these hormonal changes can increase the risk of depression during menopause5. Just as puberty is a transformative time of change, so is menopause. It is a time when women undergo significant transformations, not only physically but also emotionally, due to changes in hormone levels. These changes can really challenge a woman’s sense of stability and identity – so understanding what’s happening in our bodies at each stage is very important!
Menopause can also be a powerful time of growth and new beginnings. It offers an opportunity to connect deeply with yourself, reevaluate your life goals, and embrace the wisdom that comes with this phase.
The effect of stress hormones
While stress can be an ever-present factor in our lives today, understanding how it relates to your hormones is key to managing its impact on your daily life. It triggers a response from our stress system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which can also affect our sex hormones and mental health6.
If our experience with stress becomes chronic, it can lead to problems such as irregular menstrual cycles, worsening PMS symptoms, more frequent depressive episodes, and has been linked to early onset of menopause. This is due to the constant release of hormones such as cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, which gradually weakens our body’s hormonal balance and makes us more prone to mental health problems7.
To keep our hormones in balance and protect our mental health, it is important to manage stress. That’s why spending just 10-30 minutes a day in the Stress Free Zone is part of the JSHealth Philosophy. Disconnect from your phone, emails and work demands and rejuvenate with some rest, gentle yoga or even meditation (all found in the JSHealth app!). Practices like mindfulness, moving regularly in ways you love, and eating a balanced diet are powerful ways to protect our mental health and hormonal balance.
We take care of our hormones and our mental health
By recognizing and learning more about how our hormones can affect us, we can work to build a stronger relationship with ourselves – in the body and mind. In doing so, we honor the natural and beautiful processes of our bodies throughout womanhood with strength and compassion.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health problems, seek professional support or contact:
- 13 11 14 – Lifeline for 24 hour crisis support
- 1300 22 4636 – Beyond Blue for 24 hour counselling, mental health information and resources
- 1800 011 511 – NSW Mental Health Line for 24 hour professional help, advice and referrals to local mental health services
- 1800 184 527 – QLife, 3pm – midnight daily for counseling and referral services for LGBTI people. Peer-to-peer telephone and online support for diverse people of all ages.
Bibliographical references:
- Thapar, A., Collishaw, S., Pine, DS and Thapar, AK (2012). Depression in adolescence. The Lancet, [online] 379(9820), pp.1056–1067. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(11)60871-4.
- Epperson, CN, Steiner, M., Hartlage, SA, Eriksson, E., Schmidt, PJ, Jones, I. and Yonkers, KA (2012). Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Evidence for a New Category for DSM-5. American Journal of Psychiatry, 169(5), pp.465–475. doi:https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.11081302.
- Szegda, K., Markenson, G., Bertone-Johnson, ER and Chasan-Taber, L. (2013). Depression during pregnancy: a risk factor for adverse neonatal outcomes? A critical review of the literature. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 27(9), pp.960–967. doi:https://doi.org/10.3109/14767058.2013.845157.
- Mughal S, Azhar Y, Siddiqui W. Postpartum Depression. [Updated 2022 Oct 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from:
- Freeman, EW, Sammel, MD, Liu, L., Gracia, CR, Nelson, DB and Hollander, L. (2004b). Hormones and menopausal status as predictors of depression in menopausal women. Archives of General Psychiatry, 61(1), p.62. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.61.1.62.
- Whirledge, S. and Cidlowski, JA (2010). Glucocorticoids, stress and fertility. Minerva endocrinologica, [online] 35(2), pp.109–25. Available in: [Accessed 1 Mar. 2024].
- Cohen, JI (2000). ANXIETY AND MENTAL HEALTH: A BIOBEHAVIORAL PERSPECTIVE. Mental Health Nursing Issues, 21(2), pp.185–202. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/016128400248185.
