Oestrogen and Stress
Scientists have found that fluctuating levels of oestrogen may play a leading role in how women process emotions and stress. Why is this the case? By examining the paper “Oestrogen, Stress, and Depression: A Neurocognitive Model,” we can begin to understand this concept.
Phases of Hormonal Fluctuations
Throughout women's lives, they experience several major hormonal transitions: puberty, the premenstrual phase (the time before a period when hormones drop), postpartum (the time after childbirth when a woman's body returns to its regular state), and perimenopause (the time leading up to menopause).
These hormonal changes, particularly in oestradiol, a key form of oestrogen, are often linked to women becoming more vulnerable to symptoms of depression [1]. Researchers believe this is due to these hormonal changes influencing how the brain regulates mood and handles stress [1].
In some cases, this can lead to mood dysregulation, a chronic mental condition where someone feels constantly irritable or has intense emotional reactions [1].
The Effects of Oestrogen
Changes in oestrogen levels affect how these brain regions respond to emotional and stressful events [1]. For example, research has shown that during high-oestrogen phases, women tend to handle fear and anxiety better and are less reactive to negative emotions [1]. This is because they’re better at something called fear extinction, a process where the brain learns that something once scary or stressful is no longer a threat [1].
However, when there are low oestrogen levels, women tend to have a greater focus on negative emotions and memories [1]. Evidence for this has been found in brain scans, which show that different parts of the brain light up depending on the amount of oestrogen in the body [1].
However, during menopause, the brain may adapt differently. Some studies have found that brain activity shifts to rely more on thinking and planning areas (like the prefrontal cortex) and less on emotional centres (like the amygdala) [1]. This might be the brain’s way of compensating for lower oestrogen levels during menopause [1].
A Case-by-Case Basis
Not all women respond to hormone changes in the same way. Some are especially sensitive to shifts in oestradiol levels [1]. For these women, hormone changes—like those that happen during perimenopause or after surgical menopause—can significantly impact mood and cognitive function (thinking, learning, and memory) [1].
In some cases, oestradiol replacement therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of mood dysfunction in women with perimenopausal depression [1]. Scientists believe this may be due to individual differences in how the body produces or responds to oestrogen at the cellular level [1].
How Does Our Body React?
Receptors
Oestradiol exerts its effects through several brain receptors, including:
- Oestrogen receptor β—Found in areas like the hippocampus, thalamus, and entorhinal cortex, which are linked to memory and emotion [1].
- GPR30 (a membrane-bound receptor)—Found in regions like the hypothalamus and midbrain, which help regulate emotions [1].
Influence on the Brain
One study has found that stress activates the amygdala, which plays a big role in processing emotions, and this can interfere with the hippocampus, which is key for memory and learning [1]. Therefore, the evidence suggests that high stress levels, especially when combined with hormonal changes, can impair memory, particularly for emotional events [1].
Interestingly, oestradiol may protect the function of memory and learning during the menstrual cycle, helping reduce the negative effects of stress [1]. However, after menopause, high oestradiol levels don’t always help in the same way and can sometimes worsen stress-related problems, showing that oestrogen’s effects are complex and depend on timing and the individual [1].
A Complicated Topic
Ultimately, changing oestrogen levels throughout a woman’s life, whether during puberty, the menstrual cycle, postpartum, or menopause, plays a powerful role in influencing how the brain responds to emotion and stress. For some women, these hormonal shifts make them more vulnerable to depression or emotional stress, especially when combined with life pressures or past emotional challenges [1]. By conducting further research on this topic, we bring ourselves one step closer to offering better support and understanding when it is needed most.
References
Reference paper "Estrogen, stress, and depression: a neurocognitive model."