Yellow September: Menopause and Mental Health – The Role of Hormone Replacement in Emotional Balance

During Yellow September, awareness about mental health gains even more prominence. A crucial topic that directly affects women's mental health is menopause. This transitional phase marks a significant decrease in hormone production, such as estrogen and progesterone, which can directly impact emotional well-being.

How Does Menopause Affect Mental Health?

During menopause, hormonal levels undergo major fluctuations. These changes can contribute to symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Indeed, the hormonal variations that occur during perimenopause — the period preceding menopause — can trigger irritability and mood instability.

Important Scientific Data

Research shows that after menopause, the risk of developing depression can triple. This risk is even higher for women who enter menopause early.

Estrogen plays a fundamental role in the brain, helping to regulate the production of:

• Serotonin - neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation
• Dopamine - neurotransmitter associated with well-being and motivation

The decline in estrogen levels can therefore contribute to the onset of depression and anxiety disorders.

Can Hormone Replacement Help?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which may include estrogen, progesterone, and even testosterone, is widely recognized for its benefits in relieving physical symptoms such as hot flashes.

Mental Health Benefits

However, many don't know that HRT can also help to:

• Improve symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Promote a greater sense of well-being
• Stabilize mood swings

Although it is an effective and safe option for many women, hormone replacement may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is essential that each woman undergoes a personalized medical evaluation, where the risks and benefits of therapy are carefully considered.

Caring for Mental Health During Menopause

It is important that women are attentive to signs of mood changes during perimenopause and menopause. Guiding patients about these fluctuations is of utmost importance.

Therapeutic Approaches

Hormone therapy can be one of the solutions, but there are also other approaches:

• Alternative therapies
• Specialized psychological support
• Lifestyle changes
• Multidisciplinary medical support

Final Considerations

During Yellow September, it is fundamental to address the connection between hormones and mental health. Awareness of how menopause can affect emotional well-being is essential for comprehensive women's health care.

If you have questions or want to share your experience with your patients, leave your comment below. And don't forget to share this content with other professionals who may benefit from this information, especially in September when we focus on mental health.

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Scientific References

1. Soares, C. N., & Frey, B. N. (2010). Challenges and opportunities to manage depression during the menopausal transition and beyond. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 33(2), 295-308. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2010.01.009.

2. Schmidt, P. J., & Rubinow, D. R. (2009). Sex hormones and mood in the perimenopause. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1179(1), 70-85. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04981.x.

3. Cohen, L. S., et al. (2006). Risk for new onset of depression during the menopausal transition: The Harvard study of moods and cycles. Archives of General Psychiatry, 63(4), 385-390. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.63.4.385.

4. Freeman, E. W., et al. (2014). Longitudinal pattern of depressive symptoms around natural menopause. JAMA Psychiatry, 71(1), 36-43. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.2819.

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Article written by the Scientific Director of SottoPelle Brasil, Dr. Francisco Tostes.