Q&A with Women’s Health Advisor Marla Ahlgrimm: Estrogen and Women's Moods

According to pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm, estrogen doesn’t just regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. In fact, estrogen is linked to mood disruptions in women, including premenstrual syndrome and postpartum depression. Here, Ahlgrimm explains the wide range of effects estrogen has on the female body and brain.

Q: What exactly is estrogen and what is its function?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Estrogens are hormones that are important for sexual and reproductive development, particularly in women. Estrogen is produced mainly in the ovaries, but is also produced by fat cells and the adrenal glands.

Q: How does estrogen play a role in women’s mental health?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Estrogen plays a significant role in women’s mental health. Sudden decrease in blood levels contribute to significant mood lowering. After childbirth, nearing menopause and after menopause, low levels of estrogen can also prompt depression.