Research summary
Women and individuals assigned female at birth are two times more likely to suffer from depression in their lifetime compared to cis-gendered men. Depressive disorders in this population can be triggered by reproductive events, including the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the postpartum period and menopause. As Canada Research Chair in Reproductive Mental Health, Dr. Jennifer Gordon is uncovering ways to better predict, prevent and treat these reproductive mood disorders.
She and her research team are focusing on the biological and psychological mechanisms by which hormonal changes can influence mood. They are studying the psychological effects of ovarian hormones and the biopsychological mechanisms underlying mood disorders. They are also developing and validating an algorithm for quantifying a person’s sensitivity to ovarian hormone fluctuation. Gordon and her team are also developing and sharing psychological interventions to treat reproductive mood disorders. Ultimately, their research could benefit the mental health of individuals assigned female at birth.