[Psychoendocrinology of menopause]

The possible role of of the marked changes in the regulation of female sex hormones has been implicated in the higher prevalence rate of anxiety and affective disorders in women. There is no evidence, however, for a direct relationship between specific hormone alterations and psychiatric, nosologic entities in the critical periods (premenstrual, postpartum, menopausal). The menopausal psychosyndrome can develop as a result of a chain reaction triggered by the fairly universal and specific vasomotor symptoms: hot flushes and night sweats. The hormone substitution therapy of menopause may have a prompt effect both on the somatic and psychic symptoms, by suspending the domino effect. In addition to that oestrogen has some activating and mood elevating effect, while progesteron can reduce anxiety and related symptoms.