Review article

Hormonal Dynamics and Women's Mental Health

Ivan Bolanča
Daria Hadžić

Abstract

The impact of hormonal dynamics on women’s emotional state and mood has been extensively examined in scientific literature, both across the different phases of the menstrual cycle and across key stages of the reproductive lifespan. These stages include menarche and puberty, pregnancy, the postpartum period, and perimenopause, each characterized by distinct neuroendocrine changes. These hormonal fluctuations do not act in isolation, but are closely linked to changes in mood, cognitive functioning, and emotional regulation. Due to their dynamic nature, they can significantly influence women’s everyday psychological functioning. Moreover, hormonal changes play an important role in modulating the severity of symptoms across a range of mental health disorders. The literature clearly documents their involvement in conditions such as depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, where symptom exacerbation is often observed during periods of pronounced hormonal fluctuation.

Keywords

gonadal hormones, mental health, menstrual cycle, perimenopause

Hrčak ID:

349373

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/349373

Publication date:

10.7.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 0 *