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Women’s Mental Health

Disclaimer:

This publication is based on a Mind UK publication and the original version may be found here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/a-z-mental-health/

Thank you to Mind UK for sharing their valuable content with us. Content included in Mental Health A-Z is made available free of charge and does not form part of any commercial activity. The adaptation has been done independently by Mind HK and is intended for general information purposes only.

Hormones and mental health

Sex hormones

Three of the major sex hormones affect women’s mental health, including estrogen, testosterone and progesterone.

  • Estrogen, produced by the ovaries, is responsible for the development and regulation of secondary sex characteristics and the female reproductive system. Fluctuations of estrogen can be associated with mood dysregulation, which can happen throughout women’s lifespan, but most notably in menopause
  • Testosterone is found at higher levels in men, but women produce a small amount of testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands as well. Existing research has demonstrated the correlation between irregular levels of testosterone and mood swings in men. Although the mental health impact on women remains unclear, the impacts of irregular testosterone levels on physical health may indirectly heighten the risk of developing mental health problems among women.
  • Progesterone is involved in the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancies. It is produced in the ovaries and is involved in menstrual cycles and pregnancy. Studies show that progesterone is implicated in moderating anxiety levels.

 

Oxytocin

Oxytocin, also known as the ‘feel good’ hormone, is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus in both sexes. Oxytocin production is positively correlated with physical contact, bonding and attachment, prosocial behaviours and sexual behaviours. Moreover, it is also closely related to female reproduction – there is a surge level of oxytocin during the birthing process and lactation.

Although the exact role of oxytocin remains unclear, some research has shown the indirect impact of oxytocin on the stress response, prosocial behaviours and addiction.

Some research has demonstrated the stress-buffering function of oxytocin, The surged level of oxytocin during breastfeeding buffered the negative stress symptoms (Cox et al., 2015).

Hormones affect our brain chemistry in different ways, which consequently impact our mood and mental health. It is normal for women to feel their mood fluctuate during periods of hormonal change, such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.

 

Menstruation

Female hormone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. Some women may experience Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), which happens days before menstruation. Severe symptoms of PMS may also be diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which is a form of Depressive Disorder.

 

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

PMS usually happens several days before menstruation begins. Women with PMS often experience different physical and emotional symptoms. 90% of women reported experiencing some PMS symptoms at some point in their life (Winer & Rapkin, 2006). The cause of PMS is not clearly known yet, but researchers believe that hormonal changes play a role.

PMDD affects 2-5% of women (Epperson, 2013) and is a more severe form of PMS. A diagnosis will be given to individuals who have met at least 5 of 11 of the following symptoms for two consecutive menstrual cycles, and have significantly affected their daily life:

Affective symptoms include the following:

  • Lability of affects (eg, sudden sadness, tearfulness, or sensitivity to rejection)
  • Irritability, anger, or increased interpersonal conflicts
  • Depressed mood, hopelessness, or self-deprecating thoughts
  • Anxiety or tension, feeling “keyed up” or “on edge.”

Physical symptoms include the following:

  • Decreased interest in usual activities
  • Difficult to concentrate
  • Easily fatigue and lack of energy
  • Change in appetite; overeating or specific food cravings
  • Hypersomnia or insomnia
  • A sense of being overwhelmed or out of control
  • Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling; joint or muscle pain, a sensation of “bloating” or weight gain

 

Relieving symptoms and treatments:

  • Medication: Doctors may prescribe antidepressants to relieve depressive symptoms
  • Talking therapy: Talking therapy can help you to identify and organise your thoughts, you may also learn new coping skills to cope with life difficulties
  • Lifestyle changes: Given the biological nature of PMDD, your GP may suggest you to modify your lifestyle (e.g. eating balanced meals, getting sufficient sleep, and exercising regularly) to cope with the problem
  • Stress management: Coping strategies including meditations, breathing exercises and mindfulness practice help to manage stress levels

 

Some people combine medications and talking therapies as a way to treat PMDD and other mental disorders, as the effect of both treatments complements each other – medications relieve symptoms and talking therapies help with identifying, organising and learning skills to cope with challenges. Please discuss options with your healthcare provider if you feel as if you need mental health support.

 

Contraceptives

Women may use different contraceptive methods like birth control. Common contraceptive methods often involve hormonal changes to avoid conception, such as oral contraceptives, rings, transdermal patches, and intrauterine devices (IUD). Some research has suggested a correlation between hormonal contraceptives and the risk of developing depression, yet the effect on mood depends on the types of hormonal contraceptives, and on the individual.

 

Menopause

Menopause is a natural process that women go through, where their menstrual periods start to be irregular and eventually end permanently. During this time, female hormone levels reduce, causing irregular menstruation; these changes can affect women’s mental health. Common symptoms may include feeling anxious, irritated or on edge, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, poorer memory and mood swings. Some may also report hot flushes, where individuals may feel symptoms like rapid heartbeats and sweating.

Symptoms of menopause may affect women’s day-to-day life, and cause mood disturbance and also sleep difficulties, which further add to the risk of experiencing a mental health problem.

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What is iACT Service?

Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT®) is one of the services from Mind HK. Trained Wellbeing Practitioners will offer initial assessment and early intervention for people dealing with mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties.

 

The service includes 6-8 sessions of low-intensity psychological support, the flexibility of the service allows individuals to receive free and timely support when needed.

If you’re aged between 18 – 65 and are facing some emotional challenges, we would like to invite you to take an online assessment for us to gain a better understanding of your current emotional struggle.

 

If you’re eligible, we’ll get you connected with a Wellbeing Practitioner within two weeks to sort out the next steps.

The service runs for about 3 months and includes 6-8 support sessions, tailored to your needs.

 

We encourage you to attend all sessions and actively practice the tips and exercises provided by your Wellbeing Practitioner.

We take your privacy seriously. Your chats with the Wellbeing Practitioner are confidential.

 

We won’t share any of your info unless you’ve provided consent or if there are risks detected.

This programme isn’t suitable for people facing emergencies, major setbacks, or those diagnosed with serious or complex mental health conditions.

 

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, this programme might not meet your needs, so please seek help right away. You can check out Mind HK’s “Find Help Now” page for immediate information and services.

Most of our Wellbeing Practitioners have backgrounds in psychology or counselling and are passionate about mental health. They’ve gone through about 140 hours of intensive training and completed at least 120 hours of supervised clinical practice over 9 months to ensure the quality of service.

 

They’re trained by accredited local experts in the mental health field, including clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, counsellors, and psychiatrists. Plus, we regularly check how effective our services are. All service outputs and performances are subject to consistent monitoring.

Who is suitable for participating in this programme?

This programme welcomes anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who may be feeling lost or facing emotional difficulties. Please note that this programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions.

This programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions, but suitable for those who experience mild to severe moderate anxiety, mild to moderate depression, or other emotional challenges. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

After signing up, our Wellbeing Practitioner will contact you within two weeks to schedule a convenient time for a 45-minute conversation, either via video or phone call, according to your preference. During the conversation, the Wellbeing Practitioner will understand your current situation and help you gain a better understanding of your emotional state based on the questionnaire you filled out during application. Additionally, they will provide recommendations for appropriate community resources based on your needs, helping you take an important first step in taking care of your mental health.

Although the intervention procedure is mostly standardised, Wellbeing Practitioners will work flexibly with clients to address individual presenting problems and unique characteristics.

Our Wellbeing Practitioners are trained to support people who experience mild to moderate mental health difficulties primarily. This programme is not suitable for the situations mentioned above. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

Your conversations with the Wellbeing Practitioner are absolutely confidential. Any information about you will not be shared with anyone without your consent unless you or others are at immediate risk or the Wellbeing Practitioner has reason to believe that you may be in imminent danger.
Supervisors will monitor trainees’ development throughout the placement to ensure that they are meeting the required level of competency to pass the training course at the end of the placement.

Yes, it is necessary to book an appointment in advance by filling out the form. Additionally, you can select one of the five stores yourself. We will allocate clients to different Wellbeing Practitioners based on their chosen location.

Before having the conversation, we will ask you to fill out a basic questionnaire for preliminary screening assessment. This screening process aims to ensure that the training received by the Wellbeing Practitioners is sufficient to meet the needs of the individuals receiving the service. If it is determined after the screening assessment that the service is not suitable for you, Mind HK will provide alternative recommendations to ensure your safety and support.

For adults who are suitable for this service, all Wellbeing Practitioners have received training on how to identify and respond to safety and risk issues. If you have any concerns about the support process, the Wellbeing Practitioners have appropriate measures in place and will develop response plans based on the urgency of the situation. They can also access support from clinical practitioners from Mind HK or participating organisations.

What private training does Mind HK provide?

Mind HK provides 4 themes of mental health training, including: Supporting Self, Supporting Others, Family Wellbeing and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).

 

Check out the brochure here for more information.

Mind HK provides a wide range of standardised mental health training, which can be tailored to different circumstances. Chat with our team to explore more! 

Our trainers come from a diverse, accredited pool of clinically experienced professionals. Check out our trainers’ biographies here.

Yes, the Mental Health First Aid class of Mind HK is internationally accredited by the MHFA International. The content and certification is delivered by trainers certified from the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong. You can find out our trainers accreditation here.

We are here to support your mental health education journey! Reach out to us and chat with our team.

Hormones and mental health

Hormones and mental health

Sex hormones

Three of the major sex hormones affect women’s mental health, including estrogen, testosterone and progesterone.

  • Estrogen, produced by the ovaries, is responsible for the development and regulation of secondary sex characteristics and the female reproductive system. Fluctuations of estrogen can be associated with mood dysregulation, which can happen throughout women’s lifespan, but most notably in menopause
  • Testosterone is found at higher levels in men, but women produce a small amount of testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands as well. Existing research has demonstrated the correlation between irregular levels of testosterone and mood swings in men. Although the mental health impact on women remains unclear, the impacts of irregular testosterone levels on physical health may indirectly heighten the risk of developing mental health problems among women.
  • Progesterone is involved in the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancies. It is produced in the ovaries and is involved in menstrual cycles and pregnancy. Studies show that progesterone is implicated in moderating anxiety levels.

 

Oxytocin

Oxytocin, also known as the ‘feel good' hormone, is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus in both sexes. Oxytocin production is positively correlated with physical contact, bonding and attachment, prosocial behaviours and sexual behaviours. Moreover, it is also closely related to female reproduction - there is a surge level of oxytocin during the birthing process and lactation.

Although the exact role of oxytocin remains unclear, some research has shown the indirect impact of oxytocin on the stress response, prosocial behaviours and addiction.

Some research has demonstrated the stress-buffering function of oxytocin, The surged level of oxytocin during breastfeeding buffered the negative stress symptoms (Cox et al., 2015).

Hormones affect our brain chemistry in different ways, which consequently impact our mood and mental health. It is normal for women to feel their mood fluctuate during periods of hormonal change, such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.

 

Menstruation

Female hormone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. Some women may experience Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), which happens days before menstruation. Severe symptoms of PMS may also be diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which is a form of Depressive Disorder.

 

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

PMS usually happens several days before menstruation begins. Women with PMS often experience different physical and emotional symptoms. 90% of women reported experiencing some PMS symptoms at some point in their life (Winer & Rapkin, 2006). The cause of PMS is not clearly known yet, but researchers believe that hormonal changes play a role.

PMDD affects 2-5% of women (Epperson, 2013) and is a more severe form of PMS. A diagnosis will be given to individuals who have met at least 5 of 11 of the following symptoms for two consecutive menstrual cycles, and have significantly affected their daily life:

Affective symptoms include the following:

  • Lability of affects (eg, sudden sadness, tearfulness, or sensitivity to rejection)
  • Irritability, anger, or increased interpersonal conflicts
  • Depressed mood, hopelessness, or self-deprecating thoughts
  • Anxiety or tension, feeling “keyed up” or “on edge.”

Physical symptoms include the following:

  • Decreased interest in usual activities
  • Difficult to concentrate
  • Easily fatigue and lack of energy
  • Change in appetite; overeating or specific food cravings
  • Hypersomnia or insomnia
  • A sense of being overwhelmed or out of control
  • Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling; joint or muscle pain, a sensation of “bloating” or weight gain

 

Relieving symptoms and treatments:

  • Medication: Doctors may prescribe antidepressants to relieve depressive symptoms
  • Talking therapy: Talking therapy can help you to identify and organise your thoughts, you may also learn new coping skills to cope with life difficulties
  • Lifestyle changes: Given the biological nature of PMDD, your GP may suggest you to modify your lifestyle (e.g. eating balanced meals, getting sufficient sleep, and exercising regularly) to cope with the problem
  • Stress management: Coping strategies including meditations, breathing exercises and mindfulness practice help to manage stress levels

 

Some people combine medications and talking therapies as a way to treat PMDD and other mental disorders, as the effect of both treatments complements each other - medications relieve symptoms and talking therapies help with identifying, organising and learning skills to cope with challenges. Please discuss options with your healthcare provider if you feel as if you need mental health support.

 

Contraceptives

Women may use different contraceptive methods like birth control. Common contraceptive methods often involve hormonal changes to avoid conception, such as oral contraceptives, rings, transdermal patches, and intrauterine devices (IUD). Some research has suggested a correlation between hormonal contraceptives and the risk of developing depression, yet the effect on mood depends on the types of hormonal contraceptives, and on the individual.

 

Menopause

Menopause is a natural process that women go through, where their menstrual periods start to be irregular and eventually end permanently. During this time, female hormone levels reduce, causing irregular menstruation; these changes can affect women’s mental health. Common symptoms may include feeling anxious, irritated or on edge, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, poorer memory and mood swings. Some may also report hot flushes, where individuals may feel symptoms like rapid heartbeats and sweating.

Symptoms of menopause may affect women’s day-to-day life, and cause mood disturbance and also sleep difficulties, which further add to the risk of experiencing a mental health problem.