Hormones are silent influencers, playing a powerful role in shaping the mental, emotional, and physical experiences of women throughout their lives. From puberty to pregnancy, and through the transition to menopause, hormonal fluctuations can often feel like an emotional rollercoaster. While we often acknowledge physical symptoms, the emotional toll of hormonal shifts is equally significant – and often misunderstood.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unpack how female hormones affect the mind and emotions, explore the science behind mood swings, and provide practical strategies to navigate and manage the emotional impact of hormonal changes.

The Hormone-Emotion Connection

Hormones act as chemical messengers, travelling through the bloodstream to tissues and organs. In women, key hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and oxytocin can profoundly influence mood, behaviour, and cognition.

• Oestrogen enhances serotonin production—a neurotransmitter that boosts mood and promotes feelings of well-being.
• Progesterone has a calming effect but can also cause fatigue or sadness when imbalanced.
• Testosterone, although present in smaller quantities in women, influences libido, assertiveness, and motivation.
• Cortisol, the stress hormone, affects mood stability and anxiety.
• Oxytocin promotes bonding and feelings of trust, particularly during childbirth and breastfeeding.

So, how do hormones affect emotions and behaviour? Well, through intricate, interdependent systems in the brain that impact neurotransmitters, neural circuits, and emotional regulation.

How Do Hormones Affect Emotions During Puberty?

Puberty brings a sea of change in a girl’s body. Oestrogen and progesterone levels increase causing menstrual cycles, which in turn, lead to the development of other secondary characteristics. These physical changes are accompanied by significant emotional changes.

• Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can cause sudden changes in mood. One moment a teen might feel happy, and the next, they could feel irritable or sad. This commonly happens due to the rise and fall of oestrogen and testosterone.
• Increased Sensitivity: Teens may become more sensitive to criticism, rejection, or stress. This is partly due to how hormones affect brain regions responsible for emotional responses.
• Irritability and anger: Surges in testosterone (in boys) and oestrogenic (in girls) can contribute to heightened feelings of frustration, anger, or emotional outbursts.
• Anxiety & Nervousness: Hormonal shifts may make teens more anxious, especially when dealing with body image, social acceptance, or academic pressures. Elevated cortisol levels (stress hormone) may worsen this.
• Low Motivation or Sadness: Hormonal imbalances can lower serotonin and dopamine, leading to periods of sadness or feeling “down.” Sometimes this may resemble depression, so it’s important to monitor emotional health.
• Identity & Self-Esteem Issues: Hormonal changes influence how teens view themselves and relate to others. Emotional ups and downs can affect confidence, especially during physical and social changes.

What Hormone Causes Irritability Before Period?

The culprit is the rapid drop in oestrogen and progesterone. Low oestrogen leads to decreased serotonin levels, while low progesterone can cause anxiety and restlessness. Together, they create a storm of emotional discomfort just before menstruation.

How Does Oestrogen Affect Behaviour in Females?

Oestrogen is a crucial hormone in the female body, influencing behaviour, mood, cognition, and social interactions. It impacts both physical changes and how a woman feels, thinks, and acts.

Mood Regulation

Increasing serotonin and dopamine levels can improve mood and emotional well-being. Low oestrogen levels before a period or during menopause can lead to symptoms of depression, mood swings, and anxiety. We have explored this in more detail in the next section.

Cognitive Function

Oestrogen affects memory, focus, and mental clarity by enhancing neural connectivity, especially in the hippocampus. Decreased oestrogen levels can lead to symptoms like brain fog and forgetfulness in women.

Stress Response

Oestrogen helps regulate the body’s response to stress by controlling cortisol levels, the stress hormone. This hormone can help women become more resilient to stress, especially when oestrogen levels are high.

Social & Emotional Sensitivity

High levels of oestrogen in women are associated with greater empathy, nurture instincts, and emotional sensitivity, leading to increased social interactions and responsiveness to emotions during ovulation.

Sexual Behaviour

Oestrogen plays a crucial role in enhancing libido and responsiveness. Women may notice a surge in desire and confidence during ovulation when oestrogen levels reach their peak. This hormone not only influences sexual desire but also boosts social interactions.

Aggression & Irritability

Although oestrogen is typically known for its calming effects, abrupt decreases in oestrogen levels can result in feelings of irritability, frustration, and emotional volatility. This is particularly common during premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or perimenopause.

The Effects of Oestrogen and Progesterone on Mood

Yes, both oestrogen and progesterone deeply influence your emotional well-being and mental health. Here’s how:

Oestrogen’s Effect on Mood

Positive Effects:

• Boosts serotonin & dopamine – neurotransmitters that stabilise mood and promote happiness.
• Supports mental clarity, memory, and focus.
• Reduces irritability and anxiety when levels are stable.

Negative Effects (When Oestrogen Drops):

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Sadness or depressive symptoms
• Increased emotional sensitivity

Oestrogen levels rise during the follicular phase (after menstruation) and drop sharply before your period and during menopause, which can trigger mood changes.

Progesterone’s Effect on Mood

Positive Effects:

• Has a calming, anti-anxiety effect (when balanced).
• Promotes relaxation and better sleep by influencing GABA, a calming neurotransmitter.

Negative Effects (due to disbalance or dropping of progesterone):

• Low motivation
• Tearfulness or sadness
• Increased fatigue and irritability
• Linked to PMS symptoms like moodiness and brain fog

Progesterone rises during the luteal phase (after ovulation) and drops just before menstruation. This sudden drop can contribute to premenstrual mood swings.

Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy hormonal changes are natural and powerful, affecting your body, mood, skin, digestion, sleep, and emotions. These shifts nurture your baby’s growth while impacting your overall well-being.

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

This is the first hormone produced after implantation and is the one detected in pregnancy tests. It maintains the corpus luteum to produce progesterone, which can cause nausea and morning sickness in early pregnancy.

Oestrogen

During pregnancy, increasing levels of oestrogen support the growth of the uterus and placenta, leading to changes in skin appearance, emotional fluctuations, and increased libido, particularly in the second trimester.

Progesterone

This substance helps sustain pregnancy by relaxing uterus muscles and preparing for milk production. It can relax smooth muscles but may lead to bloating, constipation, and heartburn. While it has a calming effect, high levels may cause fatigue, brain fog, or moodiness.

Relaxin

This hormone prepares your body for delivery by relaxing your muscles and ligaments and by prenatal stretching but may cause pelvic pain, backaches, or joint instability. It also helps soften the cervix later in pregnancy.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin levels are usually low during the early weeks of pregnancy but increase before labour, causing uterine contractions during labour. After birth, oxytocin plays a pivotal role in bonding and emotional connections with the baby.

Prolactin

Hormones increase in pregnancy to prepare the body for milk production, causing leakage in the third trimester. These hormones also affect emotions, promoting calmness and bonding.

Cortisol

Progesterone increases during pregnancy and aids in foetal lung development; however, it can also contribute to stress or anxiety. The body becomes slightly desensitised to it to protect itself.

Useful Tips to Manage Hormonal Anger and Irritability

Hormonal anger is caused by fluctuating hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone during PMS, perimenopause, puberty, pregnancy, or after childbirth. Here are some effective strategies that can help manage and prevent hormonal anger.

• Track Your Hormonal Patterns: Use a cycle-tracking app to understand when you are most vulnerable to anger triggers and prepare accordingly.
• Balance Your Blood Sugar: Eat complex carbs like oats, quinoa, and whole grains, to avoid sugar crashes that worsen hormonal mood swings. Make sure to include protein and healthy fats in every meal.
• Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity, even in short durations, can increase endorphin levels, regulate oestrogen and cortisol, and relieve physical tension caused by hormonal fluctuations.
• Try Natural Supplements (consult a doctor first): These nutrients help with PMS symptoms: magnesium reduces irritability and cramps, vitamin B6 supports mood regulation, omega-3s lessen inflammation and emotional intensity, and chaste berry balances oestrogen and progesterone.
• Practise Emotional Grounding: Practise deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation for stress relief. Journal mindfully or rage journal as a safe outlet for emotions. Set boundaries and take space if you’re feeling triggered.
• Sleep Is Non-Negotiable: Lack of sleep negatively affects mood and hormone balance, leading to increased cortisol levels. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep and establish a relaxing bedtime routine.

Hormonal Therapies & Natural Alternatives

Some women find hormonal therapies and natural alternatives useful for managing mood swings caused by hormones. Let’s understand these in greater detail:

Summing It Up

Hormonal changes in females are not a sign of weakness but a reminder of the amazing design of the body. By understanding how hormones affect emotions, you can replace confusion, frustration, and helplessness with clarity, compassion, and empowerment. Whether you’re a teenager, a woman balancing work and cycle symptoms, or approaching menopause, remember you’re not alone and not broken. With knowledge, tools, and support, you can navigate hormonal changes with grace, strength, and emotional resilience.

Men supporting a woman or teen during mood swings need to practice patience and empathy. Listen actively without judgment, acknowledging her feelings even if they seem sudden. Offer support and understanding, creating a safe space for her to express herself. Avoid dismissing her emotions or offering unsolicited advice. Sometimes, just being present and supportive is the most helpful approach. If mood swings are severe or persistent, gently suggest seeking professional guidance.

Sources:

• https://www.ifm.org/articles/sex-hormones-the-female-brain-a-focus-on-mood-disorders
• https://www.verywellmind.com/the-link-between-hormones-and-mental-health
• https://neurolaunch.com/how-does-estrogen-affect-behavior-in-females/
• https://womensbrainhealth.org/think-tank/better-thinking/the-effects-of-hormones-on-brain-health
• https://neurolaunch.com/female-hormones-and-mental-health/
• https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/empowering-teens/teenage-hormones-and-sexuality/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/period-mood-swings
• https://www.webmd.com/women/estrogen-and-womens-emotions
• https://www.womenshealthnetwork.com/symptoms/mood-swings/