The Overlooked Connection: Women’s Health and
Mental Well-Being
By Lisa Mathis MSN, FNP-BC
Women’s health has long been discussed in terms of physical milestones, reproductive health, menopause, and cardiovascular risk. However increasingly, there is a growing recognition that mental health is deeply intertwined with every stage of a woman’s life. Understanding this connection is essential for delivering truly comprehensive care.
From adolescence through older adulthood, women experience unique biological, social, and emotional factors that influence both physical and mental health. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, can significantly impact mood, anxiety levels, and overall emotional well-being. These influences are not isolated; they shape how women perceive symptoms, seek care, and respond to treatment.
One of the most critical examples of this connection is in the perinatal period. Pregnancy and the postpartum phase are often viewed as times of joy and anticipation, yet they are also periods of heightened vulnerability. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders affect a substantial number of women, and when left unrecognized, can have lasting effects not only on the mother, but also on infant development and family dynamics. Screening, early identification, and reducing stigma remain essential components of care.
Beyond reproductive health, chronic conditions commonly seen in women, such as autoimmune diseases, chronic pain disorders, and cardiovascular disease are closely linked with mental health outcomes. Depression and anxiety are more prevalent among patients managing chronic illness, and these conditions can directly impact adherence to treatment, symptom perception, and overall quality of life. Addressing mental health is not an “extra” step, it is a necessary part of managing the whole patient.
Equally important are the social determinants that disproportionately affect women. Caregiving responsibilities, workplace stress, financial pressures, and disparities in access to care all contribute to mental health strain. Women are often balancing multiple roles simultaneously, and this chronic stress can manifest physically, whether through sleep disruption, fatigue, or worsened chronic disease.
What is encouraging, however, is the growing shift toward integrated care models. Healthcare providers are increasingly incorporating mental health screening into primary and specialty visits, recognizing that a brief conversation or a standardized screening tool can open the door to meaningful intervention. Even small changes such as asking about stress, normalizing emotional concerns, or connecting patients with appropriate resources, can have a significant impact.
For clinicians, particularly advanced practice providers, this presents an important opportunity. By viewing mental health as inseparable from physical health, providers can offer more patient-centered, effective care. Education also plays a key role, helping patients understand that symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, or difficulty concentrating may not only be physical, but could signal underlying mental health needs.
Ultimately, advancing women’s health requires a holistic approach. It means recognizing that mental health is not a separate category, but a critical component of overall well-being. When mental health is prioritized alongside physical health, outcomes improve, not just for individual patients, but for families and communities as a whole.
As advanced care providers it is our duty to recognize the patient that may be embarrassed or not be upfront with symptoms of anxiety or depression. With the demands on office time and the need to see more patients and increase billing, we may miss the subtle cues of depression. If you see the once put together, healthy appearing jovial person suddenly come to the office disheveled, losing weight and withdrawn, take time to address your concerns with the patient. A questionnaire about depression often isn’t enough. Getting eye level, taking their hand and asking the simple question, “Are you OK?” may open the door to a wealth of information. Patients especially in a vulnerable state want to feel like you care about them.
About 10.3% of U.S. women experience a major depressive episode each year, and more than one in five experience a mental health condition, according to national data analyses. Women are also approximately twice as likely as men to experience depression. Despite this, an estimated 56% of women with depression globally receive no treatment, based on data from the World Health Organization and related research groups. (1)
As discussed, it is essential to consider the stage of life a woman may be in, from the new mother to the menopausal patient, when evaluating and managing depression and anxiety. Hormonal fluctuations during these transitions can significantly influence mental health. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone directly affect brain chemistry, including serotonin and other mood-regulating systems, which helps explain why many women experience depression and anxiety during these periods.
Recognizing how these factors intersect allows providers to take a more comprehensive and individualized approach to care. When clinicians connect these “pieces of the puzzle,” treatment becomes more effective and outcomes improve, ultimately leading to greater success for both the provider and the patient.
However, it is equally important to remember that treatment extends beyond pharmacologic interventions. Creating a supportive environment within the practice can play a meaningful role in patient care. Offering resources such as educational materials, women’s support groups, and community-based activities provides patients with opportunities for connection and support outside of the clinical setting. Many women benefit from shared experiences and peer support, and these connections can be just as impactful as medication in improving overall well-being.
Recognizing this growing need, NPACE will host an upcoming event in November in Napa focused on women’s health and mental health. This event is designed to provide advanced practice providers with the latest updates in diagnosing and managing common conditions affecting women. As clinical challenges become increasingly complex, ongoing education and access to current, evidence-based treatment strategies remain essential to delivering high-quality care. Come for a great glass of wine and education!
“Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.”
— Audre Lorde
1-https://www.womenshealthassoc.com/insights/womens-mental-health-anxiety-depression-statistics
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