Estrogens are biochemical regulators of various physiological processes:

• they are key hormones in the development of female reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and vagina. During the menstrual cycle, estrogens control the proliferation of uterine lining cells and prepare it for possible embryo implantation.
• they influence the water-electrolyte balance, regulating its equilibrium by controlling sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys.
• they also have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system by increasing nitric oxide production, leading to vasodilation and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
• they affect bone mineral density by regulating processes related to calcium and phosphorus absorption.
• they have a beneficial effect on the skin by increasing collagen and elastin production, contributing to maintaining skin firmness and elasticity.

Progesterone is a key steroid hormone secreted by the corpus luteum and adrenal glands (in trace amounts) during the luteal phase, and during pregnancy by the placenta:

• it plays a significant role in regulating the menstrual cycle by providing suitable conditions for embryo implantation.
• it influences maintaining pregnancy by maintaining the appropriate thickness of the uterine lining and preventing its rejection.
• it interacts with the nervous system as a neurosteroid, affecting cognitive functions and moods through interactions with GABA receptors in the brain.

Androgens are a group of hormones mainly responsible for shaping reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics. In women, androgens are mainly produced in the adrenal glands and to a lesser extent in the ovaries:

• small amounts of androgens, mainly testosterone, regulate libido and sexual desire in women.
• they may affect muscle mass and strength, which is important for both physical health and quality of life.
• they add to female energy and contribute to a sense of well-being.

Hormonal Changes Throughout a Woman’s Life

• During adolescence, increased production of estrogens and progesterone leads to the development of female secondary sexual characteristics and the onset of the menstrual cycle.
• Pregnancy is a period during which hormone levels undergo significant changes, providing suitable conditions for the developing fetus.
• Menopause is a period when the ovaries stop producing estrogens and progesterone, leading to the cessation of the menstrual cycle and related hormonal changes.

Among these hormones, progesterone deserves particular attention for its impact on women’s mental health. Progesterone, being a neurosteroid, exhibits several actions on the nervous system through interactions with GABA-A receptors and modulation of serotoninergic and dopaminergic functions. These mechanisms may contribute to mood regulation, reduction of anxiety symptoms, and improvement of cognitive functions in women. Studies suggest that changes in progesterone levels may be associated with various mental disorders in women. For example, decreased progesterone levels in the premenstrual period may lead to exacerbation of premenstrual tension syndrome (PMS) symptoms and mood disorders. Additionally, progesterone deficiency in the postpartum period may be associated with postpartum depression and increased susceptibility to anxiety and panic attacks. Progesterone may also influence cognitive functions in women, which is a subject of current scientific research. There is evidence suggesting that appropriate progesterone levels may have a beneficial effect on memory, executive functions, and information processing speed. However, the exact mechanism of this influence and its scope require further research.
Hormonal disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, or adrenal overactivity, may lead to dysregulation of progesterone levels and other hormones, which in turn can also negatively affect women’s mental health. Therefore, effective diagnosis and therapy with natural progesterone may be essential in treating and preventing psychiatric disorders associated with hormonal dysfunction. Progesterone, although commonly known for its role in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy, also exerts a significant influence on women’s mental health. Its complex effects on mood regulation, stress response, and cognitive functions require further scientific research. Understanding these mechanisms may be crucial for the development of new therapies and preventive strategies in the field of psychiatric disorders in women.