Hormones and mood: how does it work?

As you've probably already noticed, your mood and hormones have a clear relationship. Much of this connection stems from your menstrual cycle. Each reproductive hormone has its own impact on both your physical and emotional state, as they are true multitaskers. Here's a breakdown...

Oestrogen and mood swings

Oestrogen typically has a positive impact on your mood. It peaks just before ovulation, so you've likely noticed you feel quite good around that time in your cycle. This is partly because oestrogen increases the production of serotonin, a hormone that makes you feel happy.

But oestrogen also boosts other happy hormones in your brain, including endorphins. These are also produced when we exercise. You might have heard of them in that context, or in Legally Blonde!

Progesterone and mood swings

While oestrogen primarily has a positive effect on your mood, the impact of progesterone is a bit less predictable. For some, it has a dampening effect. There isn't a great deal of research on progesterone and mood – not to mention how much more research we need in this area! – but it seems to make the part of your brain that reacts to danger or stress more reactive.

This part of your brain is called the amygdala, and having a more reactive amygdala can lead to increased feelings of anxiety or stress. There is also evidence to suggest that progesterone can have a similar effect on your brain as alcohol and sleeping pills. This, too, can dampen your mood.

When does progesterone become more dominant?

During the second half of your cycle, after ovulation, progesterone becomes the dominant hormone. It is produced by the corpus luteum, the group of cells that remains in your ovary after an egg has been released.