Pharmacist Do Xuan Hoa from the Medical Information Center - Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, states that women experiencing fatigue and erratic mood swings may be due to an imbalance in three hormones: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These hormones affect neurotransmitters like serotonin (a mood stabilizer) and dopamine (a motivation and reward chemical).

Estrogen

Estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining a positive mood by influencing serotonin, a neurotransmitter often called the "happiness hormone". This hormone helps the brain produce more serotonin and slows its breakdown. Consequently, serotonin remains active longer in the brain, helping to stabilize emotions and improve mood.

When estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, serotonin levels may also decrease, making women more irritable, melancholic, or sensitive to stress.

Hormonal changes in women occur more frequently and intensely than in men, leading to a higher risk of emotional disorders and depression. Photo: Thai Thanh

Progesterone

Progesterone helps stabilize central nervous system activity, regulating the body's response to stress. High progesterone levels followed by a sudden drop can reduce serotonin, leading to erratic and sensitive moods. This explains why many women feel irritable, short-tempered, and struggle to control emotions during their menstrual cycle or after childbirth.

This hormone helps calm the nervous system and improves sleep quality. When progesterone declines, women are prone to insomnia.

Testosterone

In women experiencing perimenopause, menopause, or after ovarian removal surgery, very low testosterone levels often cause fatigue and difficulty concentrating at work. Women may also experience reduced libido and loss of confidence, affecting their quality of life.

According to Pharmacist Hoa, women should not overlook symptoms such as prolonged sadness for many weeks, difficulty sleeping or sleeping excessively, feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy, and changes in weight or appetite. Early recognition of these signs helps women proactively seek psychological support.

To improve mood, women should get enough sleep, exercise regularly, limit caffeine, manage stress, and maintain a healthy diet. Certain herbs like Lepidium meyenii (maca), with their bioactive compounds (especially sterols), can positively influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. When this axis's activity is enhanced, the three important hormones: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, are regulated, alleviating symptoms like hot flashes, irritability, and insomnia.

In severe cases, doctors may consider hormone therapy or psychological support to help patients balance their mental health.

Thai Thanh