Hormones are our body’s messengers, affecting everything from mood to energy levels to stress to sleep. Throughout life, the levels of these chemicals fluctuate widely; sometimes sending us on emotional rollercoasters. Understanding how these fluctuations affect our mental health can help us manage them better. Let’s take a journey through the different stages of life and see how hormones shape our emotions along the way.
Puberty: The First Major Shift
Remember the mood swings, the sudden bursts of energy, unexplained physical fatigue during teenage years? That was hormones at work! Going through puberty between ages 8 and 16 brings a surge in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in females and testosterone in males. This would lead to extreme emotions, greater anxiety, and sometimes, disturbances in sleep.
Talking about these feelings, staying active, and getting enough sleep can really help during this phase. If the mood swings become too hard to handle, it’s okay to seek guidance from a trusted adult or a medical professional.
Late 20s to 30s: The Balancing Act
In the late 20s and 30s, hormone levels reach a stable point, but life also gets busier. Career, relationships, responsibilities tar grown, and stress levels can rise. Since higher stress means more cortisol- the body’s stress hormone- anxiety, fatigue, and even mood swings can appear. It may also be during this time that some women see the occurrence of PMS symptoms with even greater aggression.
Taking time out for yourself every week, whether through meditation or exercise, can help. Prioritizing mental health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps keep hormones (and moods) in check.
PCOS: A Hormonal Disruptor
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a common endocrine disorder that affects many women in reproductive age. Hormonal imbalance resulting in irregular menstrual cycles, increased androgen levels, and insulin resistance causes many related complications. PCOS doesn’t just affect physical health—it can take a serious toll on mental well-being too.
Due to fluctuations in hormones and the emotional impact of attributes such as weight gain, acne, and hair growth, many a woman suffering from PCOS complains of various forms of anxiety, depression, or mood swings. PCOS management requires lifestyle change, as dietary management, exercise, and stress management form the basis for treatment. Consulting a physician, gynaecologist or an endocrinologist will help treat PCOS more thoroughly with treatment and medication tailored to the specific needs of the patient.
Pregnancy: A Surge in Hormones
Pregnancy is a whirlwind of hormonal activity. Estrogen and progesterone levels rise rapidly, supporting the baby’s development, emotions are also stirred up. Many women experience heightened sensitivity, sudden mood swings, and even increased anxiety or prenatal depression.
Having a good support system, practicing mindfulness, and eating nutritious foods are great ways to strike a balance when dealing with ebbs and flows of emotional changes during pregnancy. Even more important is a dialogue with a healthcare professional about feelings that may seem insurmountable to ensure both mother and baby are healthy.
Postpartum: The Crash After the High
After giving birth, hormone levels drop drastically—almost overnight. This sudden shift can cause emotional ups and downs, commonly known as the “baby blues.” For some, this develops into postpartum depression, which may bring prolonged sadness, anxiety, and a sense of being overwhelmed.
This is a time when a new mother needs support, rest, and time to take care of herself. Accepting help from family and friends, joining a support group, or even seeking professional support if one needs it may help make the transition more bearable.
Menopause: The Final Transition
Menopause has three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Each initiates its own hormonal changes that can affect mental health.
Beginning in the late 30s or early 50s, perimenopause is characterized by fluctuating estrogen levels that lead to progressive mood swings and anxiety. The menopause generally occurs in the 50s and involves a dramatic decline in estrogen, affecting mood regulation, sleep, and even memory. Whilst postmenopause marks the levelisation of estrogen levels, some women may still experience emotional changes long after the menopause.
Exercises, relaxation techniques, and socialising are usually most beneficial during this period. Some women have also considered hormone replacement therapy, with guidance from a well qualified doctor.
Managing Hormonal Changes
No matter what stage of life one is in, taking care of the body and mind is key. Women particularly tend to neglect their own health, and forget to prioritise themselves, more often than not. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, getting enough sleep, and prioritising oneself in terms of self-care and a quality me-time can do wonders for hormonal balance. Stress-reducing activities like yoga, journaling, and deep breathing could also help keep our emotional health in check. And when things feel too overwhelming or challenging to manage on our own, let’s not hesitate to reach out for professional support—Let’s remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Conclusion
Hormones being our body’s internal messengers, are a crucial part of our everyday life, and their effects on mental health are undeniable. The good news? By understanding hormonal shifts and making simple lifestyle adjustments, we can navigate each such phase with more confidence and stability. Life is a journey of ups and downs, and these hormones are just along for the ride, helping us navigate—so let’s learn to work with them, not against them!