Mood Swings and Hormones: Understanding the Connection
Mood swings, anxiety, and depression have long been associated with hormones. While we often think about hormonal changes related to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, the reality is that hormonal imbalances—including fluctuations in estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and other key hormones—can affect both men and women’s mental and emotional well-being. Understanding the role of hormones is essential for finding solutions that promote stability and overall health.
What Are Hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the endocrine glands (pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas) and the reproductive organs (ovaries and testes). These messengers travel through the bloodstream and influence nearly every bodily function, including:
Growth and Development
Metabolism
Reproduction and Sexual Function
Mood and Mental Health
Because hormones work in a highly interconnected system, even small imbalances can have significant effects on physical and mental health.
Which Hormones Affect Mood and Mental Health?
When experiencing mood swings, anxiety, or depression, a hormonal imbalance may be to blame. Key hormones impacting mental health include:
Thyroid Hormones
Testosterone
Estrogen
Progesterone
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
Adrenaline
Serotonin, Dopamine, Endorphins
Oxytocin
Because hormones influence each other, achieving balance requires a comprehensive assessment and an integrated approach guided by a practitioner who specializes in hormone health.
How Hormonal Imbalances Impact Mood
1. Thyroid Hormones
The thyroid gland plays a critical role in brain function by producing hormones that influence neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline.
Hypothyroidism (Low Thyroid): Linked to fatigue, brain fog, depression, and weight gain.
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): May cause nervousness, irritability, and mood swings.
“Thyroid hormones protect against memory loss and mood disorders like anxiety and depression,” explains Dr. Terri DeNeui, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC.
2. Testosterone
Low testosterone levels are associated with irritability, inability to concentrate, and depressed mood in both men and women.
In women, low testosterone contributes to menopause-related depression and overall low energy.
Research suggests testosterone replacement therapy can improve mood, libido, and emotional well-being.
“Testosterone plays a vital role in mood, libido, and a sense of well-being. When combined with estrogen, the results can be astounding,” says Dr. DeNeui.
3. Estrogen
Estrogen plays a pivotal role in women’s mental health, particularly during periods of hormonal change such as:
PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
Postpartum
Menopause
Research links fluctuating estrogen levels to higher rates of depression and mood disorders in women. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help stabilize estrogen levels, supporting mental clarity, memory, and mood stabilization.
4. Progesterone
Often referred to as the “calming hormone”, progesterone:
Reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation.
Supports mood stability in women experiencing PMS or postpartum depression.
Low progesterone levels can cause irritability and heightened stress, but natural bioidentical progesterone therapy can restore balance without the side effects associated with synthetic progestins.
5. The “Feel-Good Hormones”
Harvard Medical School identifies dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin as the “feel-good hormones” because they produce happy, euphoric feelings. Simple lifestyle changes—such as diet, exercise, and meditation—can boost these hormones naturally.
Additionally, testosterone and estrogen play a role in regulating serotonin levels, which means that addressing hormone imbalances can reverse symptoms of depression caused by deficiencies.
“Testosterone replacement therapy can completely reverse depressive symptoms associated with hormone decline in men and women,” notes Dr. DeNeui.
Experiencing Mood Swings? Aether Medicine Can Help
If you struggle with mood swings, anxiety, depression, or irritability, your hormones may be at the root of the issue. A thorough evaluation of your hormone levels can uncover imbalances that affect your emotional well-being.
At Aether Medicine, our approach includes:
Comprehensive Lab Testing: Analyzing hormone levels to identify imbalances.
Personalized Therapies: Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), nutraceuticals, and advanced therapies tailored to your needs.
Lifestyle Guidance: Recommendations on diet, exercise, and stress management to optimize hormone health.
As EvexiPEL® Certified Providers, we specialize in advanced therapies like bioidentical hormone pellet therapy to restore balance and help you feel your best.
Take Control of Your Mood and Hormones
Mood swings, depression, and anxiety are not something you have to live with. By addressing hormone imbalances, you can reclaim emotional stability, mental clarity, and overall well-being.
Schedule your consultation today to start your journey toward better hormonal health with Aether Medicine. Together, we’ll help you uncover the root causes of your symptoms and develop a plan to restore balance and vitality.