Hormones and Neurotransmitters - How Hormones Shape Our Mental Well Being

05/13/2025

As a naturopathic doctor, I often see how interconnected our body systems are—and nowhere is this more evident than in the relationship between our hormones and neurotransmitters. These two groups of chemical messengers work in close harmony to regulate everything from mood and memory to energy levels and sleep.

Let's take a closer look at how key hormones—cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormone—interact with neurotransmitters to influence your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Cortisol: The Stress Gatekeeper

Cortisol, often called the "stress hormone," is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a vital role in your body's response to stress. When cortisol is elevated for extended periods (due to chronic stress), it can profoundly affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.

High cortisol can deplete serotonin, the neurotransmitter that helps us feel calm and content. Low serotonin is linked with anxiety, depression, and sleep troubles.
Cortisol also impacts dopamine, which influences motivation, pleasure, and focus.
Excess cortisol can reduce GABA, your brain's primary calming neurotransmitter, leading to increased feelings of tension or overwhelm.

Chronic dysregulation of cortisol is one of the most common root imbalances I see in practice—and one that can disrupt both hormonal and mental-emotional equilibrium.

Estrogen: The Mood Modulator

Estrogen isn't just about reproductive health; it has a profound influence on brain chemistry.

Estrogen increases serotonin availability and receptor sensitivity, making it a natural antidepressant.
It also enhances dopamine activity, promoting feelings of reward, motivation, and cognitive sharpness.
Fluctuations in estrogen (especially during perimenopause or post-birth) can trigger mood swings, irritability, or even panic-like sensations in sensitive individuals.

When estrogen drops too low or rises too high relative to other hormones (like progesterone), it can throw off this delicate balance, contributing to emotional highs and lows.

Progesterone: The Soothing Hormone

I think of progesterone as nature's own anti-anxiety hormone.

It promotes the activity of GABA, which helps us feel calm, centered, and able to sleep deeply.
When progesterone is low—whether due to stress, perimenopause, or luteal phase dysfunction—many people experience increased anxiety, restlessness, or trouble winding down at night.

Supporting healthy progesterone levels can bring a sense of groundedness and emotional resilience that many of my patients deeply crave.

Testosterone: The Drive and Confidence Hormone

Though often associated with masculinity, testosterone is essential for everyone. It plays a key role in:

Enhancing dopamine, which helps regulate mood, focus, and reward.
Supporting assertiveness, motivation, and even libido—qualities tied to a healthy sense of agency and vitality.

Low testosterone (in all genders) can contribute to fatigue, depression, lack of motivation, and brain fog. It's often overlooked in mental health assessments but is a critical piece of the puzzle.

Thyroid Hormones: The Energy Regulators

Your thyroid hormones—especially T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine)—are central to regulating your brain's metabolic pace.

They affect nearly every neurotransmitter system, including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and GABA.
Low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) often presents with symptoms that mimic depression: low energy, apathy, low mood, and difficulty concentrating.
Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, can lead to anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disturbances.

Because thyroid dysfunction often flies under the radar, I always encourage patients experiencing mood or energy shifts to explore a full thyroid panel—not just TSH.

Bringing It All Together: Whole-Person Hormone Healing

The dynamic interplay between your hormones and neurotransmitters is complex but deeply intuitive. When we're under stress, emotionally overwhelmed, or physically depleted, this system shifts in ways that can affect how we think, feel, and show up in the world.

In my practice, I approach these imbalances not by masking symptoms, but by working collaboratively with you to understand your body's signals. This may include:

Comprehensive hormone and neurotransmitter testing
Personalized nutrition and lifestyle shifts
Herbal or nutrient therapy to restore balance
Gentle, energetic bodywork to support emotional release and nervous system recalibration

Above all, I honor your body's innate wisdom. Healing is possible—and when hormones and neurotransmitters are in harmony, we often feel more like ourselves: resilient, steady, and alive.

If you're curious about your own hormone-neurotransmitter connection, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can uncover the deeper roots of your symptoms and create a path toward wholeness and vitality.