Abstract
A burgeoning literature documents the convergence of reproductive endocrine and central serotonergic systems in the regulation of a variety of behaviors. This review will focus on one element of this interaction, the modulation of serotonergic function by estrogen. After describing the manifold neuroregulatory effects of gonadal steroids, we summarize the effects of estrogen on central serotonin systems in animals and humans as inferred from studies demonstrating the impact of gender, estrus (or menstrual) cycle, or hormone manipulation. Finally, we summarize the putative roles of estrogen and serotonin in two reproductive-endocrine-related mood disorders: premenstrual syndrome and perimenopausal depression.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Affect / drug effects
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Affect / physiology*
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Animals
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Depressive Disorder, Major / physiopathology
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Estrogens / pharmacology
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Estrogens / physiology*
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Female
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Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
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Gonadal Steroid Hormones / physiology
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Humans
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Menopause / physiology
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Menstrual Cycle / physiology
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Neural Pathways / drug effects
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Neural Pathways / metabolism
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Premenstrual Syndrome / physiopathology
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Receptors, Serotonin / drug effects
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Receptors, Serotonin / physiology
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Receptors, Steroid / physiology
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Serotonin / pharmacology
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Serotonin / physiology*
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Sex Characteristics
Substances
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Estrogens
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Gonadal Steroid Hormones
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Receptors, Serotonin
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Receptors, Steroid
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Serotonin