No single hormone is solely responsible for sadness. Sadness is a complex emotion influenced by a combination of factors, including hormonal imbalances. However, several hormones have been linked to mood regulation, and their fluctuations can contribute to feelings of sadness.
Key Hormones and Their Role in Mood:
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Serotonin: Often called the "happy hormone," serotonin plays a crucial role in mood regulation. Low levels of serotonin are associated with feelings of sadness, depression, and anxiety. A lack of sunlight, as seen in seasonal affective disorder (SAD), can decrease serotonin production. [Source: production of serotonin – serotonin is a hormone that affects your mood, appetite and sleep; a lack of sunlight may lead to lower serotonin levels, which is linked to feelings of depression.] [Source: https://www.jax.org/news-and-insights/jax-blog/2015/december/happy-or-sad-the-chemistry-behind-depression] [Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9293-seasonal-depression]
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Dopamine: While primarily associated with pleasure and reward, dopamine also plays a significant role in mood. Reduced dopamine levels are linked to depression and contribute to feelings of sadness and lack of motivation. [Source: https://www.jax.org/news-and-insights/jax-blog/2015/december/happy-or-sad-the-chemistry-behind-depression]
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Estrogen and Progesterone: These hormones, particularly important in women, influence mood significantly. Fluctuations or low levels of estrogen and progesterone can trigger mood swings, irritability, and feelings of sadness, especially during menopause. [Source: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/can-menopause-cause-depression] [Source: https://www.quora.com/Which-hormone-is-responsible-for-sadness]
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Melatonin: Primarily known for regulating sleep-wake cycles, melatonin also impacts mood. In people with SAD, higher-than-normal melatonin levels might contribute to feelings of sadness and depression during winter months. [Source: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/]
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Prolactin: This hormone is released in response to stress and emotional events. While not directly causing sadness, increased prolactin levels might be associated with the enjoyment of sad music or emotional experiences, which can be linked to feelings of sadness. [Source: https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/music/your-brain-on-music/your-brain-on-music/your-brain-on-music-tearjerkers/]
Important Note:
It is crucial to understand that sadness is a complex emotional response influenced by various factors beyond hormonal levels. These factors include genetics, life experiences, environment, and social circumstances. While hormonal imbalances can contribute to feelings of sadness, they are not the sole cause.
