Estrogen fluctuations during the menopausal transition are a risk factor for depressive disorders
Justyna Turek1, Łukasz Gąsior2
1Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343, Krakow, Poland. turek@if-pan.krakow.pl.
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.
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