General discussion 283 options for hormone-associated mood disorders are widely spread throughout the medical field, ranging from hormonal contraceptives, to gynecological treatments, to psychotropic medication and psychotherapy. Offering multidisciplinary care, which could include gynecologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, general practitioners and other specialists could greatly improve the quality of care. Furthermore, a lifespan approach may help to identify patients who may be at risk of future recurrent hormonerelated mood complaints. Although formal guidelines in this field are missing, there are numerous relevant hormone-related factors can be taken into account by clinicians. 1. Address hormone use in the medical history Hormonal contraceptive use should not be seen as a "lifestyle factor" but as medication use: hormonal contraceptives have systemic effects, possible effects on mental health and they could interact with other medications. (Berry-Bibee et al., 2016; Schoretsanitis et al., 2020, 2022; Talib & Alderman, 2013). Therefore, questions about hormonal contraceptives should be integrated into the standard medical history. Furthermore, where relevant, the patient should be asked about recent changes in contraceptive methods, and possible changes in symptoms since starting their contraceptive method. 2. It is relevant to ask about possible changes in symptoms during the menstrual cycle Studies find a high prevalence of premenstrual exacerbation of depressive symptoms: 58 to 64% of women with depression report exacerbation during the luteal phase (Hartlage et al., 2004; Kornstein et al., 2005). Currently, asking about the relation between the menstrual cycle and symptomatology is not part of the standard protocol in the treatment of most psychiatric disorders. Better insight into symptomatology and severity throughout the menstrual cycle can provide patients and their healthcare providers with important information on when, and why, symptoms could worsen. For example, knowing that anhedonia and suicidal thoughts could increase in the premenstrual week, which is not an uncommon occurrence (Ross et al., 2023), can aid a patient in anticipating this period to make sure that they have sufficient support. Furthermore, those with severe premenstrual
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