Estrogen fluctuations during the menopausal transition are a risk factor for depressive disorders
- PMID: 36639604
- PMCID: PMC9889489
- DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00444-2
Estrogen fluctuations during the menopausal transition are a risk factor for depressive disorders
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.
© 2023. The Author(s).
Conflict of interest statement
The authors declare that they have no competing interests to disclose.
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