No single hormone causes OCD, but imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate are implicated, with hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, and cortisol influencing these systems, especially during reproductive changes, stress, or thyroid issues, suggesting a complex interplay rather than one hormonal culprit.
The idea that "chemical imbalances" are the only cause of OCD is outdated and too simplistic. However, an imbalance in neurotransmitters can play a role in OCD, with strong evidence that serotonin is implicated,.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a commonly overlooked cause of psychiatric and even some neurological illnesses. Common neuropsychiatric illnesses associated with B12 deficiency are dementia, neuropathies, depression, and irritability. Authors concluded that OCD was an early manifestation of B12 deficiency.
Hormonal imbalances.
Shifting levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause issues like sleep disruptions and mood changes, which some people say bring intrusive thoughts during ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause.
Glutamate is the principal neurotransmitter involved in cortico-striatal-thalamic circuits (CSTC)[12] and, according to recent hypotheses (CSTC model of OCD), it would seem implicated in the pathogenesis of OCD.
Glutamate and GABA are neurotransmitters involved in OCD, with elevated glutamate levels potentially being a biomarker for the disorder. Specific brain regions, such as the SMA and ACC, show neurochemical changes associated with compulsive behavior in individuals with OCD.
Estrogen plays a role in augmenting feelings of anxiety, so high levels of estrogen can increase or lead to the development of OCD symptoms. Conversely, progesterone tends to inhibit anxiety, so a deficiency in that might lead to similar effects on OCD symptomatology.
Serotonin: Dubbed the "feel-good hormone," serotonin plays a key role in staving off anxiety and depression. In fact, the main class of drugs used to treat these conditions — SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) — increase serotonin levels in the brain.
Both the systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that cortisol levels are significantly higher in OCD patients than healthy individuals.
Along with vitamin D, B vitamins also help alleviate the symptoms of OCD. In addition, they play a key role in stress response, as chronic stress can quickly deplete them. Taking supplements containing B vitamins and folate will be beneficial.
The 15-Minute Rule for OCD is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) technique where you delay performing a compulsion for 15 minutes when an obsessive thought triggers anxiety, allowing the urge to lessen naturally as you practice exposure and response prevention (ERP). It teaches your brain that discomfort decreases without the ritual, building resilience and breaking the obsessive-compulsive cycle by gradually increasing tolerance for uncertainty and distressing feelings.
Our results show that genetically based maternal effects contribute to offspring risk for OCD, and we conclude that such maternal effects contribute to a significant portion of the total genetic architecture of OCD, in addition to directly inherited, additive genetic effects.
Some theories suggest that OCD may be caused by something physical in our body or brain. These are sometimes called biological factors. Some biological theories suggest that a lack of the brain chemical serotonin may have a role in OCD.
Dopamine levels are most depleted by chronic stress, poor sleep, lack of protein/nutrients, obesity, and excessive sugar/saturated fats, which desensitize receptors and impair production; substance misuse (like cocaine) and certain health conditions (like Parkinson's) also directly damage dopamine systems, reducing its availability. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, especially those involving processed foods and lack of sleep, significantly deplete this crucial neurotransmitter.
Low serotonin symptoms often involve mood issues like depression and anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia), digestive troubles (constipation, appetite changes, carb cravings), and cognitive issues such as poor memory or focus, along with irritability and fatigue. These symptoms can also manifest as obsessive-compulsive behaviors, increased worry, difficulty managing emotions, and a general sense of unease or low well-being.
Some studies suggest that estrogen has a protective effect on mood and cognition. Its decline can lead to increased emotional sensitivity and impaired stress response, which may create a fertile ground for OCD symptoms to surface or intensify. Perimenopause often brings increased anxiety, irritability, and depression.
An OCD attack can feel like a storm of intense emotions and physical sensations. The person may experience physical symptoms, such as sweating, shaking, and rapid heartbeat. These symptoms may be accompanied with obsessive thoughts, intrusive thoughts, and an urge to engage in compulsions.
Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, increases sugar, also called glucose, in the bloodstream, enhances the brain's use of glucose and increases the availability of substances in the body that repair tissues. Cortisol also slows functions that would be nonessential or harmful in a fight-or-flight situation.
Hormonal imbalances show up as symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, irregular periods, skin issues (acne), hair changes, sleep problems, brain fog, low libido, digestive issues, and temperature sensitivity, affecting energy, body functions, and mental well-being, often linked to stress, thyroid, or reproductive hormones.
The four main "happiness hormones" (also neurotransmitters) are dopamine, responsible for reward and motivation; serotonin, a mood stabilizer linked to well-being; endorphins, natural pain relievers and euphoric agents; and oxytocin, known as the love or bonding hormone. These chemicals regulate mood, stress, pleasure, and social connection, and their levels can be influenced by lifestyle choices like exercise, diet, and social interaction.
The Brain Areas Involved in OCD
A recent meta-analysis reviewed functional imaging studies in OCD and found that the OFC (orbital gyrus) and head of the caudate were the only brain areas that significantly and consistently demonstrated increased tracer uptake in OCD patients relative to comparison subjects.
There are several things you can do to help break the OCD cycle, including medication and therapy, as well as everyday strategies. Exposure and response prevention (ERP). This is the first-line therapy for OCD. ERP gradually exposes you to your OCD fear until you're no longer afraid.