Estrogen fluctuations during the menopausal transition are a risk factor for depressive disorders

Justyna Turek; Łukasz Gąsior

doi:10.1007/s43440-022-00444-2

Estrogen fluctuations during the menopausal transition are a risk factor for depressive disorders

Pharmacol Rep. 2023 Feb;75(1):32-43. doi: 10.1007/s43440-022-00444-2. Epub 2023 Jan 14.

Authors

Justyna Turek¹, Łukasz Gąsior²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343, Krakow, Poland. turek@if-pan.krakow.pl.
² Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343, Krakow, Poland.

Abstract

Women are significantly more likely to develop depression than men. Fluctuations in the ovarian estrogen hormone levels are closely linked with women's well-being. This narrative review discusses the available knowledge on the role of estrogen in modulating brain function and the correlation between changes in estrogen levels and the development of depression. Equally discussed are the possible mechanisms underlying these effects, including the role of estrogen in modulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor activity, serotonin neurotransmission, as well as the induction of inflammatory response and changes in metabolic activity, are discussed.

Keywords: Depression; Estrogen receptors; Menopause.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Depressive Disorder*
Estrogens
Female
Humans
Male
Menopause*
Risk Factors
Serotonin / metabolism

Substances

Estrogens
Serotonin