Conversations Hormones and mental health with Dr Jayashri Kulkarni
Jun 6, 2025
Dr. Jayashri Kulkarni, a psychiatrist and professor at Monash University, shares insights from her research on the link between women's hormones and mental health. She passionately discusses the benefits of estrogen therapy in treating conditions like depression and schizophrenia. The conversation touches on the evolving role of patient voices in mental health care, emphasizing collaboration over traditional doctor-patient dynamics. Jayashri also highlights the need for more inclusive medical research, advocating for a holistic approach to women's health that considers cultural and environmental factors.
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Estrogen Clears Psychosis Symptoms
- Dr. Jayashri Kulkarni gave estrogen to women with psychosis and saw their auditory hallucinations drastically reduce or disappear.
- One woman was discharged after 12 years due to this dramatic mental health improvement.
Hormones' Role in Women's Mental Illness
- Hormonal changes during childbirth, menstrual cycles, and menopause can trigger or worsen mental illnesses in women.
- Estrogen appears to have a protective effect on the brain, influencing mood and mental health.
Hormones Shape Brain Chemistry
- Hormones are chemical messengers affecting bodily functions and brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.
- These hormonal interactions influence behavior, memory, thinking, and mental illness symptoms.