Women’s mental health has long been shaped by biology, social expectations, and medical bias. From puberty to pregnancy to menopause, hormonal fluctuations can significantly influence mood and emotional well-being.
Yet too often, women’s psychological distress is misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed as 'just hormones'. This oversimplification can delay accurate treatment and leave many struggling without proper support.
Understanding this complex relationship between hormones and mental health is essential to reducing misdiagnosis and improving care.
The hormone–mood connection
"Hormonal transitions—menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause—are predictable neurobiological risk windows, with estrogen and progesterone directly influencing serotonin, GABA, sleep, cognition, and emotional regulation," says Dr Padmaja Samant, HOD, Gynecology, KEM Hospital.
For example, many women experience mood swings, irritability, or low energy before their periods. In more severe cases, this may be diagnosed as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a condition marked by intense depression, anxiety, and emotional instability during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
Similarly, postpartum hormonal shifts can trigger Postpartum Depression, a serious mental health condition that goes far beyond 'baby blues'. During perimenopause and menopause, low estrogen levels can contribute to mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and increased vulnerability to anxiety and depression.
Social stress factors significantly influence women’s mental health. In many cultures, women are expected to manage work, family, and emotional labor without complaint. When distress surfaces, it may be interpreted as weakness rather than a signal for support.
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A woman reporting fatigue, mood swings, or irritability may be told it’s stress, PMS, or simply part of being female, rather than receiving a comprehensive evaluation, highlighting the adverse effects of misdiagnosing the signals.
Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate medication, delayed recovery, and worsening of symptoms. A thorough evaluation should include medical history, menstrual patterns, thyroid function tests, sleep assessment, and psychosocial stressors. Collaborative care between gynecologists, endocrinologists, and mental health professionals can significantly improve outcomes.
"Reframing municipal hospitals as hubs for hormone-informed mental healthcare can shift women’s mental health from crisis response to prevention—restoring clinical precision, dignity, and equity at scale," mentioned Dr Samant.
Women’s distress is real — and complex. It cannot be reduced to 'just hormones', nor can hormones be ignored. A balanced understanding acknowledges both biology and lived experience.
By listening carefully and investigating thoroughly, experts can provide more accurate diagnoses and care. When women’s emotional health is understood in its full context, treatment becomes not only more effective but more empowering.
This article forms part of the broader conversation being taken forward at the Mpowering Minds Women’s Mental Health Summit 2026, where the panel discussion will explore 'Woman as a Leader’ conversation with the depth and urgency it deserves.