Hormones and Mental Health: What Parents of Teens Need to Know

When hormones and mental health are running the show, your household can start to feel like a cross between a teen soap opera and a sleep-deprived group therapy session. Parenting teens is tough—but it gets even trickier when you’re juggling your own mood shifts right alongside theirs.

In Episode #26 of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, we sat down with Dr. Milena Smith, a psychiatrist who specializes in women’s mental health, to talk about hormones and mental health for parents—and why this topic doesn’t get nearly enough attention.

From postpartum anxiety to perimenopause to the “invisible load” of raising adolescents, Dr. Smith breaks down how hormonal changes across the lifespan can impact your mood, anxiety levels, and overall well-being. And she doesn’t stop there—she offers real, actionable insight for getting support and reclaiming your mental clarity.

👇 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why mood swings and irritability might be hormone-driven—not just stress
  
• How postpartum depression shows up in both moms and dads
  
• What’s actually happening in the brain during hormonal changes
  
• How SSRIs can increase neuroplasticity and reduce rigid thinking
  
• Why perimenopause can feel like emotional whiplash—and what helps
  
• Where to go for real, evidence-based support (not expensive “hormone tests” or shady supplements)

🎧 Listen now:

Parenting Shrink Wrapped

🌀 Feeling seen? You’re not alone.

Parenting teens while managing your own mental health is no small feat. If you’re looking for more support, resources, and relatable real talk, come join us inside the Teen Savvy Parent Hub.

It’s the place where overwhelmed meets supported—and where parenting doesn’t have to feel so lonely.
👉 Learn more here

Looking for more help? Read these Teen Savvy Coaching articles to help you on your parenting journey:

Navigating Mental Health Care for Kids and Teens
A comprehensive guide to understanding and accessing mental health care for children and adolescents.

3 Teen Mental Health Myths—Debunked by a Therapist and Psychiatrist
This article addresses common misconceptions about teen mental health, providing clarity for parents.

Are You a Highly Sensitive Parent? Here’s What You Need to Know
Explores the challenges and strengths of being a highly sensitive parent, offering coping strategies.

Teen Love & Healthy Relationships: A Parent’s Guide
Guidance on how parents can support their teens in developing healthy romantic relationships.