Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, can significantly impact mood, with research indicating a higher prevalence of depression among perimenopausal women. Estrogen plays a crucial role in regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, which stabilizes mood and may even have antidepressant-like effects. Notably, studies show that the risk of developing depressive symptoms around the last menstrual period is dramatically higher compared to previous years, emphasizing the importance of understanding these hormonal influences.
