Role of Interaction of Female Hormones with The Glumatergic System in Neuropsychiatric Conditions

Hormones that are essential for reproductive function, fluctuations in hormone levels dynamically affect female brain morphology, function, neurochemistry and are likely to contribute to the risk of female-specific neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders. Ovarian hormones n act on several types of receptors such as voltage-gated ion channels, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), erotonin and dopamine receptors. Glutamate acts as the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervouse system (CNS) and is a proximal regulator of cognitive domains such as learning and memory. The integration of glutamatergic transmission is fundamental to normal cognitive functioning and mental health. In this article, we present evidence that estrogen is not a simple risk or resilience factor for these disorders, but that its role is context-dependent, including age, reproductive status, and genetic makeup. In particular, we highlight the role of sex hormone fluctuations and estrogen imbalance in increasing women's vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders. Estrogens provide neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Estrogen and estrogen signaling are disrupted in multiple psychiatric disorders, with varying degrees of impairment affecting different parts of the brain. Future research elucidating estrogen and estrogen signaling disruptions and potential new treatment strategies for major psychiatric disorders and memory loss.