World Mental Health Day 2025: The Link Between Hormonal Changes and Mental Health in Women

Every woman’s emotional landscape is just like a complicated disco of hormones, which not only regulates reproductive health but also shapes mood, energy, sleep and even how we respond to stress. Over many years, countless women have struggled to make sense of emotions that seem unpredictable. They feel fine one week and suddenly get anxious and irritable the next one.

Hormonal Shifts at Different Stages

According to a PMC study, science tells us that these are hormones shifting and is not unexpected, and without any reason. 

Perimenopause

According to Dr Shweta Jha, Clinical Psychologist, Founder and Director- PRISMATIC, “During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate and many women experience extreme emotional sensitivity. These symptoms like irritability, tearfulness and restlessness, create difficulty in concentration and disturb sleep. These are reflections of hormonal shifts affecting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine and should not be considered weak signs.”

Also Read: Premenopause Vs Perimenopause Vs Menopause: What Every Woman Must Know

Postpartum

After a child’s birth, women face a sharp decline in estrogen and progesterone levels, along with changes in the neurosteroid, which is a naturally occurring steroid produced within the central nervous system that impacts the brain’s calming GABA system. As per a PMC study, this is why even strong women might also feel intense sadness, anxiety or emotional detachment after the delivery.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is not just a hormonal disorder; it also contributes to emotional turbulence.

“The combination of elevated androgens, which are a group of natural and synthetic steroid hormones that promote male characteristics, along with other factors like insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, can lead to mood instability, anxiety and body-image distress,” shares Dr Jha.

Also Read: PCOS & Infertility: Breaking Down the Barriers

Other Hormonal Influences

Even mild thyroid dysfunction can lead to low mood, brain fog or persistent anxiety. Similarly, hormonal contraceptives may also affect mood differently for each woman.

Listening to Hormones with Compassion

Women are often told to be strong or expected to push through every situation. However, it is important to realise that true strength lies in understanding and honouring one’s biology, as hormonal changes do not signify weakness. In fact, they reflect the complexity and resilience of the female body.

Dr Jha highlights, “The shifting of thoughts during hormonal changes can be harsh and thoughts like 'I’m too emotional' or 'I can’t handle this' can become more frequent. Hence, it is important to seek certain therapy options like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) during these times, as it helps you pause, question that thought, and replace it with positive thinking, like, “My body is reacting and this isn’t my fault”. Such a small shift brings calmness and peace instead of guilt in a female’s mind. This proves that practising self-care helps women to navigate their life transitions with greater self-awareness and emotional resilience.”

Final Word

Hormones shape more than reproductive health and influence mood, cognition, sleep and emotional responses. Across life stages such as perimenopause, postpartum and conditions like PCOS, these biochemical changes manifest in real life and lead to certain emotional experiences. Recognising and addressing these influences with empathy, personalised care and professional support empowers women to embrace their emotional landscapes and well-being.