Perinatal mental health and endocrine and metabolic maternal disorders

The field of perinatal mental health is increasingly acknowledging the significant influence of maternal endocrine and metabolic disorders on psychological well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Despite advances in obstetric and endocrine care, the complex interplay between metabolic dysfunctions—such as obesity, gestational diabetes, thyroid disorders, and polycystic ovary syndrome—and mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and postpartum psychosis remains inadequately understood. Recent studies highlight rising rates of metabolic disorders among women of reproductive age, alongside heightened psychosocial stressors and hormonal shifts characteristic of the perinatal period, yet there are persistent gaps in integrated, multidisciplinary research. While some work has begun to unravel biological, behavioural, and social mechanisms underlying these associations, many questions persist regarding causality, bidirectionality, and the role of intervention strategies.This Research Topic aims to foster deeper exploration of how metabolic and endocrine disturbances in mothers impact the development, progression, and outcomes of perinatal mental health disorders. Contributions will help clarify whether specific metabolic profiles predict heightened risk for mood and anxiety disorders, how hormonal and inflammatory changes act as mediators, and the effectiveness of clinical interventions targeting both metabolic and mental health. The overarching goal is to generate evidence that informs prevention, early identification, and tailored treatment approaches, ultimately improving maternal and child outcomes.The scope of this Research Topic includes empirical studies (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods), systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and theoretical or policy-focused pieces that investigate the intersection of perinatal mental health and maternal metabolic or endocrine disorders. Studies may range from cellular and molecular mechanisms to psychosocial factors, including clinical and epidemiological investigations, and interventions at individual or system levels.To gather further insights in this complex area, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:Mechanistic links between metabolic/endocrine disorders and perinatal mental healthEpidemiological trends and risk stratification in maternal populationsEarly detection, screening, and assessment strategiesMultimodal intervention and prevention approachesThe impact of social determinants and healthcare accessEffects of comorbidity on maternal and neonatal outcomesPolicy implications and future research directionsAppendix:We welcome original research, review articles, case studies, perspectives, and other article types, provided they align with the themes outlined above Topic editors: Marcelo González, Enrique Guzmán-Gutiérrez, Carlos Alonso Escudero Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79041/perinatal-mental-health-and-endocrine-and-metabolic-maternal-disorders