The #1 Menopause Doctor: How to Lose Belly Fat, Sleep Better, & Stop Suffering Now
The Mel Robbins Podcast
The Role of Estrogen in Women's Menstrual Cycle and Mental Health
Estrogen plays a pivotal role throughout the menstrual cycle and significantly impacts mental health. In the first half of the cycle, known as the follicular phase, rising estrogen levels stimulate the thickening of the uterine lining and the development of follicles. Around day 14, estrogen peaks to signal ovulation, after which progesterone is produced. In the second half of the cycle, a decline in estrogen can lead to various symptoms, including premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), bloating, and migraines. The reduction in estrogen is linked to changes in mental health, as it affects serotonin and norepinephrine levels—hormones often associated with depression. Women sensitive to these changes may benefit from short-term SSRI use, particularly in the two weeks leading up to menstruation. The decline in estrogen can exacerbate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and conditions like ADHD, particularly during the menopause transition. This shift can lead to significant cognitive impacts, affecting women's professional lives and contributing to economic consequences in the workforce, as many women find their ability to function diminished during this critical period.
