The impact of female hormones on psychedelic effects: Implications for mood, relationships, and menopausal health

Female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play crucial roles when it comes to regulating mood, cognition and overall well-being. These hormones interact with serotonin receptors, which are also targeted by psychedelics, potentially influencing their effects. Existing literature suggests that sex differences are evident in response to psychedelics, with women often experiencing more intense psychoactive effects in comparison to men. These differences can be attributed to variations in body fat distribution, hormonal levels and neurobiological pathways. Additionally, social differences amongst genders, including societal expectations, further shape the psychedelic experience, impacting emotional processing and trip intensity. There is promising evidence which suggests that psychedelics might improve romantic relationships by enhancing emotional bonds, increasing openness and fostering deeper connections. Furthermore, psychedelics may offer relief from menopausal symptoms, such as mood swings and depression by modulating serotonin levels and promoting neuroplasticity. This review explores this intricate relationship between female hormones and psychedelics, whilst focusing on hormonal functions, gender differences in psychedelic responses and their impact on romantic relationships and menopausal symptoms. The interplay between female hormones and psychedelics presents a complex yet promising area of research. As such, understanding gender related differences in response to psychedelics is essential for optimizing therapeutic responses to enhance women’s health and well-being.