Lesson Three - How Hormones and Genes can Affect Mental Health
| Site: | MoodleHUB.ca 🍁 |
| Course: | Mental Health & Wellness [1 cr] - AB Ed copy 1 |
| Book: | Lesson Three - How Hormones and Genes can Affect Mental Health |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Sunday, 7 September 2025, 6:45 PM |
Information
- This lesson is designed to take approximately 2 hours.
- You have the following tasks and assignments to complete in this lesson:
- Read all Lesson 3 content, including videos, supplementary links, etc.
- Lesson 3 Journal
Lesson Outcomes
- Describe how hormones can affect mental health
- Describe factors that influence mental health, including genetic history
Hormonal Influences on Mental Health
You will recall from the first unit in this course that a hormone is a chemical in the body that sends a specific message to a cell or organ. Sometimes, hormones can have an influence on mental health because of how they fluctuate throughout the body. For the most part, the hormones that affect mental health are those that deal with reproduction: oestrogen (or estrogen; primarily a female hormone), progesterone (critical in the production of other sex and stress hormones), and testosterone (primarily a male hormone). There can be numerous kinds of hormonal imbalance in the body, but the most common are high estrogen and low testosterone. These imbalances can have differing effects on mental health.
| Psychological signs of extremely high estrogen | Psychological signs of low testosterone |
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Mental Health Matters
Male and Female Hormonal Differences
Male
Males are not affected as much as females by hormonal fluctuations simply because they do not have monthly menstrual cycles. There is an age-related condition, however, called andropause (that occurs around ages 45-65) that signifies a drop in testosterone levels and where some testosterone is converted into oestrogen. This significant drop and conversion of testosterone levels radically alters the hormone balance in males.
Along with the signs listed on the previous page, males could potentially experience erectile dysfunction and lose muscle strength. Males could experience lowered motivation and self-confidence, issues with concentration and memory, and feelings of depression. Lower levels of testosterone may also result in issues with sleeping properly, and there is a close connection to sleep and mental health.
Female
Continual hormonal fluctuations determine the female monthly menstrual cycle. During the first week of the cycle, estrogen is low but climbs steadily. Lower levels of estrogen are related to increased memory skills, a happier mood, and more energy.
The second week of the cycle sees further increases in estrogen as well as a rise in testosterone. This still relates to good memory skills and a happier mood but also helps with self-confidence. All of these aspects will have a positive effect on
mental health. Some women will, however, be negatively affected in the second week because of too much estrogen released, resulting in feelings of anxiety or stress.
In week three of the cycle, progesterone starts to rise, while estrogen and testosterone decrease rapidly. This change in hormones can lead to feelings of irritability, fatigue, and sullenness. Since progesterone is known as a “sedating” hormone, it can cause females sensitive to this hormone to have episodes of sadness or crying during this time.
In week three of the cycle, progesterone starts to rise, while estrogen and testosterone decrease rapidly. This change in hormones can lead to feelings of irritability, fatigue, and sullenness. Since progesterone is known as a “sedating” hormone, it can cause females sensitive to this hormone to have episodes of sadness or crying during this time.
Pixabay
In the final week of the menstrual cycle, both estrogen and progesterone drop quickly. With this sudden drop in estrogen, the effect on a woman’s mood can be negative, with sadness, irritability, and anxiety being the top feelings. However, lifestyle does play a big role in if (or how) intense a female feels these effects. Healthy eating, exercising, and sleeping regularly will all help to decrease the effects these hormones have during this time.
If you want to dig a little deeper on this topic, visit Hormonolgy - Female Hormone Cycle.
Is there a difference between PMS and something more severe? Check it out at Jean Hailes For Women's Health - How hormones impact mental health.
Female Hormonal Influences
During pregnancy, females experience an influx of estrogen and progesterone. As with the menstrual cycle, those who are sensitive to the hormone progesterone may be more prone to irritability and mood swings. Even without a progesterone
sensitivity, pregnant women are generally more susceptible to mood fluctuations than those who are not pregnant, especially during the sixth to tenth week and again in the third trimester. These mood fluctuations can include most anything
from crying, irritability, anger, anxiety, or agitation.
These symptoms are completely normal during pregnancy; however, if a woman is not sleeping well, has lost interest in living, and is having panic attacks, she may be developing depression and should see a professional.
These symptoms are completely normal during pregnancy; however, if a woman is not sleeping well, has lost interest in living, and is having panic attacks, she may be developing depression and should see a professional.
Pixabay
To learn more about depression during pregnancy, visit the Government of Canada website and read Depression during pregnancy.
Depression during pregnancy can be a good indicator of postpartum depression (depression after birth) as well. However, treating depression during pregnancy can greatly reduce the chance of developing postpartum depression. The Government
of Canada has provided a bar graph depicting selective risk factors and how they relate to postpartum depression.
Courtesy of Public Health Agency of Canada
Menopause is a time in a female’s life when she stops having a menstrual cycle. The body is preparing to have fewer fluctuations in hormones (mainly estrogen and progesterone), and so the drop off of these hormones can cause a change in mood.
It should be noted that the women who exhibit the most symptoms at menopause have most likely had the same symptoms in the past at some point. The most common mood changes that are exhibited during menopause are sadness, anxiety, and depression.
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To find more information on this topic, go to Harvard Health Publishing - Menopause and mental health.
Factors in Mental Health
There are many different aspects that factor in when discussing mental health. Having and maintaining good mental health does not simply mean not having a mental illness. A person can live with a mental illness and still experience a satisfying life.
Achieving good mental health means that you are prepared for the difficult times that will eventually come your way. This involves balancing physical, mental, social, economic, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
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Click on each collapsible row below to read about the five main factors that influence mental health.
These include factors like heredity and genetic history. Genetic disorders or anything that has a genetic component may have an influence on mental health.
Pixabay
These can include everything from childhood experiences to current lifestyle to feelings such as self-esteem.
Pixabay
The physical condition of a residence or neighbourhood can have a drastic influence on mental health.
Pexels
This refers to the quality of relationships in a person’s life. The relationship can be with friends, family, or the community.
This is partially tied in with the physical environment as it has to do with living conditions, as well as factors such as employment status.
© World Health Organization (WHO), 2020, All Rights Reserved.