Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents
Published on: December 2, 2015
Influence of the hormonal status on somatic, psychopathological and mood symptoms in climacteric women
V Di Nicola1, L M Chiechi, A Lobascio
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Bari, Italy.
Objective:
To evaluate the influence of hormonal status on somatic, psychopathological and mood symptoms in climacteric women.
Method:
122 postmenopausal women have been evaluated by the PISA-system and P.O.M.S. (Profile of Mood States) to evaluate somatic, psychopathological and mood symptoms in a 3-intervention trial (perimenopausal women, postmenopausal women on replacement therapy, and postmenopausal women without any therapy).
Result:
We found no statistically significant difference among the three groups. A clear trend has however resulted: sex hormones seem to decrease the depressive mood, aggressiveness/anger and sexual dissatisfaction.
Conclusion:
Our results are inconclusive but they suggest that hormones influence some psychological and mood symptoms during the climacterium.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
Menopause
Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.

