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Review
. 2017 Jun;40(2):189-200.
doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2017.01.008. Epub 2017 Mar 18.

Neuroendocrine Networks and Functionality

Margaret Altemus  1
Affiliations
Review

Neuroendocrine Networks and Functionality

Margaret Altemus. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2017 Jun.

Abstract

Women undergo developmental and cyclic changes in hormonal exposures that affect brain function and mental health. Some women are more vulnerable to the effects of these hormonal exposures, for reasons that remain to be determined. Evidence to date indicates that anxiety and mood disorders are the most sensitive to hormonal fluctuations in women but there is also growing evidence for a protective effect of female reproductive hormones on schizophrenia. The hormonal exposures of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the postpartum period, lactation, and menopause are quite different and may be associated with at least partially distinct symptom profiles.

Keywords: Estrogen; Lactation; Menopause; Menstrual cycle; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Puberty.

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