In this ADAA 2026 conference presentation, Harita Raja, MD (ADAA member), Michelle Witkin, PhD (ADAA member), Elizabeth DuPont Spencer, LCSW-C (ADAA member), examined the role of estrogen and other reproductive hormones as neuroendocrine regulators influencing mood, anxiety, cognition, and overall mental well-being during midlife. Hormonal changes during the menopausal transition can have a profound impact on mental health, yet many clinicians receive limited training in recognizing and addressing these symptoms.
The presenters reviewed recent research on hormonal fluctuations and their relationship to mental health symptoms, discussed how menopause-related changes can mimic or exacerbate psychiatric conditions, and shared practical strategies for assessment, patient education, and treatment. The session emphasized the importance of integrating hormonal considerations into mental health care for midlife women.
Recorded by Vumedi in partnership with ADAA.
