The role of estrogen in mood disorders in women

Jennifer L. Payne, J L Payne
International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England) · 2003 · vol. 15(3) , pp. 280–290 · doi:10.1080/0954026031000136893 · PMID:15276966 · W1988421242
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This review summarizes evidence for estrogen's role in triggering depressive symptoms in certain women, particularly during reproductive transitions, by affecting the serotonergic system, BDNF, and PKC.

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Abstract

Major depression is twice as common in women as men and depressive episodes appear to be more common in women with bipolar disorder. There is accumulating evidence that, in at least some women, reproductive-related hormonal changes may play a role in increasing the risk of depressive symptoms premenstrually, postpartum and in the perimenopausal period. In this review, the evidence for the role of hormonal fluctuations, specifically estrogen, in triggering depressive symptoms in a subgroup of women is summarized. In addition, the potential role of estrogen in triggering depressive symptoms via its effects on the serotonergic system, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and Protein Kinase C is reviewed.

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MeSH descriptors

Estrogens Mood Disorders Mood Disorders Adult Cognition Cognition Depression, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Estrogens Estrogens Estrogens Female Humans Mood Disorders Serotonin Serotonin

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License: CC0 · commercial use OK