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Høgh S, Lange EØ, Høgsted ES, Larsen K, Hegaard HK, Borgsted C, Frokjaer VG. The cortisol awakening response is blunted in healthy women early postpartum. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 165:107048. [PMID: 38657341 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The dynamic capacity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis supports healthy adaptions to stress and play a key role in maintaining mental health. Perinatal adaptations in the HPA-axis dynamics in terms of the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR), may be involved in dysregulation of perinatal mental health. We aimed to determine if CAR and absolute evening cortisol early postpartum differed from non-perinatal women and evaluate the association between the CAR and maternal mental well-being. METHODS The CAR was computed as the area under the curve with respect to increase from baseline from serial home-sampling of saliva across 0-60 minutes from awakening. We evaluated differences in CAR and absolute evening cortisol between postpartum women (N=50, mean postpartum days: 38, SD: ±11) and non-perinatal women (N=91) in a multiple linear regression model. We also evaluated the association between CAR and maternal mental well-being in a multiple linear regression model. RESULTS We found that healthy postpartum women had a blunted CAR (p<0.001) corresponding to 84% reduction and 80% lower absolute evening cortisol (p<0.001) relative to non-perinatal healthy women. In the postpartum group, there was a trend-level association between lower CAR and higher scores on the WHO Well-Being Index (WHO-5) (p=0.048) and lower Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores (p=0.04). CONCLUSION Our data emphasize the unique hormonal landscape during the postpartum period in terms of blunted CAR and lower absolute evening cortisol in healthy women early postpartum compared to non-perinatal. Our findings show a potential association between a reduced CAR and improved mental well-being during early motherhood, which suggests that reduced CAR might reflect healthy adjustment to early motherhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stinne Høgh
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Emilie Ø Lange
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emma S Høgsted
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Larsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne K Hegaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Camilla Borgsted
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vibe G Frokjaer
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Rotvig DH, Jorgensen A, Jensen JH, Hansen AR, Eller NH, Jonsson SH, Knorr U, Klose MC, Feldt-Rasmussen U, Menke A, Poulsen HE, Bauer JØ, Jørgensen MB. Can the DEX/CRH test or markers of oxidative stress distinguish work-related stress from major depressive disorder and normal controls? Stress 2024; 27:2353781. [PMID: 38823417 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2353781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis hyperactivity measured by the combined dexamethasone-CRH test (DEX-CRH test) has been found in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), whereas hypoactivity has been found in patients with work-related stress. We aimed to investigate the DEX-CRH test as a biomarker to distinguish between MDD and work-related stress (exhaustion disorder - ED). We hypothesized that there would be lower cortisol and ACTH response in participants with ED compared to MDD and healthy controls (HC). Also, we explored if the cortisol response of those patients interacted with robust markers of oxidative stress. Thirty inpatients with MDD and 23 outpatients with ED were recruited. Plasma cortisol and ACTH were sampled during a DEX-CRH test. The main outcome measure, area under the curve (AUC) for cortisol and ACTH, was compa-red between MDD vs. ED participants and a historical HC group. Secondary markers of oxidative stress urinary 8-oxodG and 8-oxoGuo; quality of sleep and psychometrics were obtained. Cortisol concentrations were higher in MDD and ED participants compared to HC, and no differences in AUC cortisol and ACTH were found between ED vs. MDD. Compared to ED, MDD participants had higher stress symptom severity and a lower sense of well-being. No differences in oxidative stress markers or quality of sleep between the groups were found. The result indicates that the patients with ED, like patients with MDD, are non-suppressors in DEX-CRH test and not hypocortisolemic as suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anders Jorgensen
- Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johan Høy Jensen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Copenhagen Stress Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Nanna Hurwitz Eller
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Copenhagen Stress Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Ulla Knorr
- Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marianne C Klose
- Dept of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Dept of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Andreas Menke
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Park Chiemseeblick, Bernau-Felden, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henrik Enghusen Poulsen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | - Martin Balslev Jørgensen
- Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Vulpius GM, Köhler-Forsberg K, Ozenne B, Larsen SV, Nasser A, Svarer C, Gillings N, Keller SH, Jørgensen MB, Knudsen GM, Frokjaer VG. Stress Hormone Dynamics Are Coupled to Brain Serotonin 4 Receptor Availability in Unmedicated Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A NeuroPharm Study. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 26:639-648. [PMID: 37542733 PMCID: PMC10519814 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyad041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A prominent finding in major depressive disorder (MDD) is distorted stress hormone dynamics, which is regulated by serotonergic brain signaling. An interesting feature of the cerebral serotonin system is the serotonin 4 receptor (5-HT4R), which is lower in depressed relative to healthy individuals and also has been highlighted as a promising novel antidepressant target. Here, we test the novel hypothesis that brain 5-HT4R availability in untreated patients with MDD is correlated with cortisol dynamics, indexed by the cortisol awakening response (CAR). Further, we evaluate if CAR changes with antidepressant treatment, including a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and if pretreatment CAR can predict treatment outcome. METHODS Sixty-six patients (76% women) with a moderate to severe depressive episode underwent positron emission tomography imaging with [11C]SB207145 for quantification of brain 5-HT4R binding using BPND as outcome. Serial home sampling of saliva in the first hour from awakening was performed to assess CAR before and after 8 weeks of antidepressant treatment. Treatment outcome was measured by change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 6 items. RESULTS In the unmedicated depressed state, prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices 5-HT4R binding was positively associated with CAR. CAR remained unaltered after 8 weeks of antidepressant treatment, and pretreatment CAR did not significantly predict treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight a link between serotonergic disturbances in MDD and cortisol dynamics, which likely is involved in disease and treatment mechanisms. Further, our data support 5-HT4R agonism as a promising precision target in patients with MDD and disturbed stress hormone dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunild M Vulpius
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristin Köhler-Forsberg
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Brice Ozenne
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Section of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren V Larsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Arafat Nasser
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Claus Svarer
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Nic Gillings
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Sune H Keller
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Martin B Jørgensen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte M Knudsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vibe G Frokjaer
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Pletzer B, Winkler-Crepaz K, Hillerer K. Progesterone and contraceptive progestin actions on the brain: A systematic review of animal studies and comparison to human neuroimaging studies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 69:101060. [PMID: 36758768 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In this review we systematically summarize the effects of progesterone and synthetic progestins on neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, myelination and six neurotransmitter systems. Several parallels between progesterone and older generation progestin actions emerged, suggesting actions via progesterone receptors. However, existing results suggest a general lack of knowledge regarding the effects of currently used progestins in hormonal contraception regarding these cellular and molecular brain parameters. Human neuroimaging studies were reviewed with a focus on randomized placebo-controlled trials and cross-sectional studies controlling for progestin type. The prefrontal cortex, amygdala, salience network and hippocampus were identified as regions of interest for future preclinical studies. This review proposes a series of experiments to elucidate the cellular and molecular actions of contraceptive progestins in these areas and link these actions to behavioral markers of emotional and cognitive functioning. Emotional effects of contraceptive progestins appear to be related to 1) alterations in the serotonergic system, 2) direct/indirect modulations of inhibitory GABA-ergic signalling via effects on the allopregnanolone content of the brain, which differ between androgenic and anti-androgenic progestins. Cognitive effects of combined oral contraceptives appear to depend on the ethinylestradiol dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology & Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paris-Lodron-University Salzburg, Salzburg Austria.
| | | | - Katharina Hillerer
- Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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No decrease in perseverance and performance on cognitive tasks in Danish cohort of hormonal contraceptive users. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2023:1-6. [PMID: 36644877 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2023.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive consequences of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) are largely underexplored, despite the popularity of use. This study investigates the association between perseverance during cognitively challenging tasks and the use of HCs among Danish women. We hypothesised that women using HCs show decreased perseverance across tasks compared to their naturally cycling counterparts. We further hypothesised that HC using women would show decreased performance as a measure of accuracy (i.e. more incorrect answers) compared to naturally cycling women. The study used a cross-sectional repeated measures design, consisting of a Danish version of the Anagram Persistence Task and the Hagen Matrices Test, followed by an extensive survey documenting menstrual and HC history for each participant. The study was conducted online. Data processing was conducted on data from 129 participants. The former hypothesis was analysed through multilevel regression with a nested random effects structure on log-transformed data. The latter hypothesis was analysed through a multilevel generalised linear model with a nested random effects structure using the binomial family. No support was found for either of the hypotheses.
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Han Y, Gu S, Li Y, Qian X, Wang F, Huang JH. Neuroendocrine pathogenesis of perimenopausal depression. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1162501. [PMID: 37065890 PMCID: PMC10098367 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1162501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
With the development of social economics and the increase of working pressure, more and more women are suffering from long-term serious stress and showing symptoms of perimenopausal depression (PMD). The incidence rate of PMD is increasing, and the physical and mental health are seriously affected. However, due to the lack of accurate knowledge of pathophysiology, its diagnosis and treatment cannot be accurately executed. By consulting the relevant literature in recent years, this paper elaborates the neuroendocrine mechanism of perimenopausal depression from the aspects of epigenetic changes, monoamine neurotransmitter and receptor hypothesis, glial cell-induced neuroinflammation, estrogen receptor, interaction between HPA axis and HPG axis, and micro-organism-brain gut axis. The purpose is to probe into new ways of treatment of PMD by providing new knowledge about the neuroendocrine mechanism and treatment of PMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Han
- Department of Psychology, Medical School, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Simeng Gu
- Department of Psychology, Medical School, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Simeng Gu,
| | - Yumeng Li
- Department of Psychology, Medical School, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xin Qian
- Department of Psychology, Medical School, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Fushun Wang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jason H. Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott and White Health, Temple, TX, United States
- Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University, Temple, TX, United States
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7
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Nasser A, Ozenne B, Høgsted ES, Jensen PS, Frokjaer VG. Reliability of three versus five saliva sampling times for assessing the cortisol awakening response. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 147:105950. [PMID: 36272363 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The cortisol awakening response (CAR) describes the sharp increase in cortisol secretion within 60 min after awakening. A summary of the CAR, the area under the cortisol curve above the awakening cortisol value (AUCi) is a widely used biomarker in health research. Estimation of the AUCi rely on a number of collected salivary samples at fixed time intervals (i.e., 5 samples in 15 min intervals) starting from awakening. Little empirical work has been executed to investigate the impact of reducing sampling times on AUCi estimation, which could potentially improve participant compliance and reduce operational costs. This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of using 3-sample AUCi versus 5-sample AUCi, i.e., systematic and random fluctuations based on a large dataset from healthy and case individuals (total n = 537). We showed that the ideal timing of 3-sampling times was 0-30-60 min with a median difference in AUCi of - 8 nmol*h/L and interquartile range of 65 nmol*h/L among healthy individuals, and - 12 nmol*h/L and 78 nmol*h/L among case individuals. We subsequently validated the 3-sample AUCi by re-analyzing three published association studies. Overall, we obtained similar p-values with 3-sample AUCi when compared to 5-sample AUCi, while smaller effect sizes and standard errors were observed. In conclusion, despite a less precise estimation of the AUCi itself, our data support that the AUC measure of the CAR, based on three samples collected at 0-30-60 min from awakening, provides reliable results in association studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arafat Nasser
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 6-8 Inge Lehmanns Vej, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
| | - Brice Ozenne
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 6-8 Inge Lehmanns Vej, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark; Department of Public Health, Section of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, 5 Øster Farimagsgade, Copenhagen 1014, Denmark.
| | - Emma Sofie Høgsted
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 6-8 Inge Lehmanns Vej, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
| | - Peter Steen Jensen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 6-8 Inge Lehmanns Vej, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
| | - Vibe G Frokjaer
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 6-8 Inge Lehmanns Vej, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark; Mental Health Services Capital Region Denmark, Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Griksiene R, Monciunskaite R, Ruksenas O. What is there to know about the effects of progestins on the human brain and cognition? Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101032. [PMID: 36029852 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Progestins are an important component of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) and hormone replacement therapies (HRTs). Despite an increasing number of studies elucidating the effects of HCs and HRTs, little is known about the effects of different types of progestins included in these medications on the brain. Animal studies suggest that various progestins interact differently with sex steroid, mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors and have specific modulatory effects on neurotransmitter systems and on the expression of neuropeptides, suggesting differential impacts on cognition and behavior. This review focuses on the currently available knowledge from human behavioral and neuroimaging studies pooled with evidence from animal research regarding the effects of progestins on the brain. The reviewed information is highly relevant for improving women's mental health and making informed choices regarding specific types of contraception or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramune Griksiene
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Monciunskaite
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Osvaldas Ruksenas
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
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Jentsch VL, Pötzl L, Wolf OT, Merz CJ. Hormonal contraceptive usage influences stress hormone effects on cognition and emotion. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101012. [PMID: 35798220 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Men and women partially differ in how they respond to stress and how stress in return affects their cognition and emotion. The influence of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) on this interaction has received little attention, which is surprising given the prevalence of HC usage. This selective review illustrates how HC usage modulates the effects of stress hormones on cognition and emotion. As three examples, we discuss stress hormone effects on episodic memory, fear conditioning and cognitive emotion regulation. The identified studies revealed that stress effects on cognitive-emotional processes in women using HCs were at times reduced or even absent when compared to men or naturally cycling women. Especially striking were the few examples of reversed effects in HC women. As underlying neuroendocrine mechanisms, we discuss influences of HCs on the neuroendocrine stress response and effects of HCs on central glucocorticoid sensitivity. The summarized findings emphasize the need for additional translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie L Jentsch
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Lisa Pötzl
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Oliver T Wolf
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Christian J Merz
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany.
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Tronson NC, Schuh KM. Hormonal contraceptives, stress, and the brain: The critical need for animal models. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101035. [PMID: 36075276 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hormonal contraceptives are among the most important health and economic developments in the 20thCentury, providing unprecedented reproductive control and a range of health benefits including decreased premenstrual symptoms and protections against various cancers. Hormonal contraceptives modulate neural function and stress responsivity. These changes are usually innocuous or even beneficial, including their effects onmood. However, in approximately 4-10% of users, or up to 30 million people at any given time, hormonal contraceptives trigger depression or anxiety symptoms. How hormonal contraceptives contribute to these responses and who is at risk for adverse outcomes remain unknown. In this paper, we discussstudies of hormonal contraceptive use in humans and describe the ways in which laboratory animal models of contraceptive hormone exposure will be an essential tool for expanding findings to understand the precise mechanisms by which hormonal contraceptives influence the brain, stress responses, and depression risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Tronson
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Kristen M Schuh
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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