Hormones, Mood, and the Nervous System: Understanding the Mind–Body Connection

The connection between hormones, mood, and the nervous system is complex and often misunderstood. Many women notice changes in energy, motivation, or emotional balance across different stages of life, from adolescence through perimenopause. These fluctuations aren’t “all in your head.” They reflect real biological shifts that interact with the brain and nervous system, shaping how we feel, think, and respond to stress.

Hormones and the brain
Hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, and cortisol influence neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, all of which play key roles in emotional regulation, focus, and sleep. When these hormonal systems are in flux, the brain’s stress and reward circuits can also shift, altering how we experience pleasure, motivation, or safety.

For example, during the premenstrual phase, lower oestrogen and progesterone can affect serotonin levels, leading to increased sensitivity, irritability, or sadness. For some, these changes are significant enough to cause Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), where mood symptoms are more severe and can interfere with daily functioning. Similarly, hormonal changes during pregnancy, postpartum, or perimenopause can influence mood and cognitive function, sometimes amplifying existing anxiety, ADHD, or trauma responses.

The nervous system’s role
From a nervous system perspective, hormonal fluctuations can affect neuroception (the body’s subconscious process of detecting safety or threat). When hormones are imbalanced or stress is chronic, the autonomic nervous system may remain in a heightened state of vigilance. This can make calm feel harder to access, sleep more disrupted, and emotions more reactive.

Hormones also interact with the body’s stress response system, influencing how easily we move between sympathetic activation (alertness and stress) and parasympathetic recovery (rest and restoration). Over time, chronic stress can alter hormonal balance, while hormonal imbalance can reinforce stress reactivity, creating a feedback loop that impacts mood and energy.

Neurodiversity and hormonal sensitivity
For neurodivergent individuals, such as those with ADHD or autism, hormonal changes can have an even stronger impact. Research suggests that oestrogen levels can influence dopamine availability in the brain, which affects attention, impulse control, and motivation. This may explain why many women report heightened ADHD symptoms or emotional dysregulation around hormonal transitions.

Understanding this interaction can help reduce self-blame and encourage self-compassion. It’s not a lack of willpower, it’s your nervous system and hormones communicating that extra support or adjustment may be needed.

When to seek support
If you notice significant mood changes before your period, persistent fatigue, or increased anxiety around hormonal shifts, it may be worth exploring these patterns with a medical professional. PMDD, perimenopausal transition, and postnatal adjustment periods can all place unique stress on the nervous system and may require tailored support.

Working with a psychologist can also help you to identify early signs of dysregulation, develop regulation skills, and explore patterns of perfectionism, burnout, or emotional fatigue that often accompany hormonal changes.

• Understand the links between hormonal changes, mood, and regulation
• Develop grounding and self-regulation skills for emotional stability
• Address perfectionism, exhaustion, and self-criticism that may arise
• Build supportive routines around rest, nourishment, and recovery
• Reconnect with your body’s signals and rebuild trust in your internal rhythms

With understanding, care, and the right support, it’s possible to move through these shifts with greater awareness and self-compassion.

Ready to take the next step?
If something here resonates with you, it might be the right time to explore what support could look like. Therapy can help you understand yourself more deeply and make the changes that matter most to you.

Email: info@nvpsychology.com.au

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised psychological or medical advice, assessment, or treatment. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, please call Triple Zero (000) in Australia. You can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for 24/7 confidential support. For further resources and support options, please see our referral directory listed on our 'Contact' page.