Hormones and mental health are closely linked, with hormonal imbalances often influencing mood, anxiety, and overall emotional well-being. Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen and progesterone can disrupt neurotransmitter function, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings, especially during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or other hormonal transitions. A naturopathic holistic approach that includes assessing and addressing hormonal health can significantly impact mental health, offering more sustainable improvements by targeting the root causes of hormonal disruptions. This approach often involves dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and natural therapies that support hormone balance, helping individuals manage mood and anxiety more effectively.How Hormone Changes Can Cause Anxiety and Depression During the Menstrual CycleHormones and moods during the menstrual cycle can greatly influence mental health, leading to conditions like PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which includes both physical and psychological symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, and mood swings. These symptoms typically occur two weeks before menstrual bleeding, affecting daily functioning. PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a more severe form, involving intense mood and physical symptoms. (1) Hormones and anxiety are also prevalent in peri- and post-menopausal women (2), highlighting how shifts in hormones, such as a decline in estrogen or a rise in progesterone, can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, GABA, and dopamine (3), ultimately influencing mood and mental health. Understanding hormone balance symptoms is key to managing these changes effectively.What is the Connection Between Hormones and Mental Health?A good way to determine whether hormones are affecting your mood symptoms is to track your symptoms along with your cycle. Hormones and moods during the menstrual cycle can significantly impact how you feel, and tracking your symptoms alongside your cycle can help identify patterns. There are many free apps out there [...]