How Brain Chemistry and Genetics Influence Women’s Health and Mood Stability
With a focus on female hormone balance and wellness. Which brain chemicals play a role in depression and anxiety? How does genetics influence our ability to regulate these chemicals for mood, depression, and addiction management?
When it comes to female hormone balance and wellness, brain chemistry plays a crucial role in mood regulation, depression, anxiety, and even addiction management. The fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause directly impacts neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and GABA, influencing mood stability, stress response, and emotional resilience.
The key brain chemicals involved in anxiety and depression are:
1. Dopamine impacting motivation, pleasure, and reward
2. Serotonin affects mood, anxiety regulation, emotional stability, and sleep.
3. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) exhibits calming and anti-anxiety effects.
4. Histamine is involved in neurotransmission, wakefulness, and mood stability.
5. Epinephrine and Norepinephrine are associated with fight-or-flight, stress response
Genetic Influences on Mood, Depression & Addiction
Our ability to regulate these neurotransmitters is highly genetic, impacting how well we manage stress, emotions, and addictive behaviors.
Genes that affect the dopamine and serotonin systems include those involved in manufacture, utilization, and signal transmission. Genes affect every step of this process. For instance, the MTHFR gene affects the process in the manufacture of dopamine, and the MAOA gene codes for an enzyme that breaks down dopamine and serotonin, and COMT also breaks down dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Dopamine receptor genes (DRD1-5) and serotonin receptor genes (HTR1A, 5HT2A) have been studied for their involvement in addiction, impulsive behavior, ADHD, and anxiety.
The Histamine System is impacted by the genes that code for enzymes that are involved in breakdown, including DAO and HNMT. (Histamine N-Methyltransferase). Certain variants lead to excess histamine, contributing to brain fog, anxiety, and sleep issues.
How This Relates to Female Hormone Balance
Estrogen boosts serotonin and dopamine levels, making women more resilient to stress during the first half of their cycle.
Estrogen also increases histamine release, which may lead to higher levels associated with insomnia and anxiety.
Progesterone enhances GABA activity, which has a calming effect, but low progesterone (as seen in PMS or menopause) can contribute to increased anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
The OXTR gene codes for the oxytocin receptor**, which is responsible for how the body responds to oxytocin, the “bonding” or “love” hormone. Oxytocin is known for its role in social bonding, emotional regulation, stress resilience, and maternal behavior.
Low oxytocin signaling is associated with increased stress response, depression, social withdrawal, and higher anxiety. OXTR gene variations influence how sensitive someone is to oxytocin, impacting trust, emotional connection, and vulnerability to mood disorders.
Estrogen upregulates OXTR expression, making females more sensitive to oxytocin. This is why, during pregnancy, postpartum, and ovulation, women experience stronger emotional bonding and mood stabilization. However, when estrogen drops (PMS, postpartum, menopause), oxytocin signaling weakens, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and emotional instability. Estrogen and oxytocin levels drop drastically postpartum, which, combined with genetic susceptibility, can trigger mood instability, emotional detachment, and social withdrawal.
Genetic variants in these genes can amplify these effects, making some women more vulnerable to hormone-related mood swings, postpartum depression, or anxiety disorders.
Genetic Testing & Personalized Wellness
Understanding your genetic variants in these genes can help tailor lifestyle, nutrition, and supplement strategies for optimal mood and mental health.
For instance:
If you have a slow MAOA gene, you may need more dopamine precursors (e.g., tyrosine) and B vitamins to support neurotransmitter breakdown.
If you have a low-functioning DRD2 gene, you might benefit from dopamine-enhancing strategies like exercise, meditation, and L-tyrosine.
If you have a GABRA1 variant, you may benefit from GABA-supporting nutrients like magnesium, L-theanine, and valerian root.
Boost natural oxytocin release by eating a phytoestrogen-rich diet* (flaxseeds, soy, cruciferous vegetables), taking adequate magnesium and vitamin B6, and exercising, especially yoga and dance. Massage and social connection also boost levels.
