---
title: Are there biological differences in how depression develops in women versus men?
description: Yes. Women show more abnormal levels of brain chemicals related to depression compared to men. Women also experience mood changes around menstruation and afte
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/sex-differences-in-biological-factors-putatively-related-to-depression-1984/
---

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- Are there biological differences in how depression develops in women versus men?

Survey study, 1984

# Are there biological differences in how depression develops in women versus men?

Yes. Women show more abnormal levels of brain chemicals related to depression compared to men. Women also experience mood changes around menstruation and after birth that may relate to these biological differences, but the clinical meaning remains unclear.

 Early or limited evidence

analysis of sex differences in biological factors

## What they did

This was an analysis of research on sex differences in biological factors (mainly brain chemicals called monoamines) related to depression. It examined how hormones might explain these differences.

## What they found

Several factors related to brain chemical function were more abnormal in women (both with and without depression) compared to men. Women experience perimenstrual (around menstruation) and postpartum (after birth) mood changes that may connect to these biological differences.

## What it means for you

There may be biological explanations for why women are more prone to depression and mood changes tied to menstruation. However, the research is still early and the practical meaning for treatment is unclear.

## About the study

Original title Sex differences in biological factors putatively related to depression Authors Halbreich U, Vital-Herne J, Goldstein S et al. Journal Journal of affective disorders Year 1984 Study design Survey study What was tested none Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/0165-0327(84)90043-0](https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-0327(84)90043-0)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Systematic review, 2022

What increases the risk of depression after childbirth?

Systematic review, 2021

Are there hormone changes that could explain PMDD or depression in women?

Review, 1992

Is PMS really caused by hormones?

Review, 1989

Are mental health conditions linked to the reproductive cycle?

Case-control study, 2026

Does PMS increase the risk of depression after childbirth in women with a history of depression?

Systematic review, 2022

Does having PMDD increase the risk of depression during pregnancy or after birth?

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