Estrogen & The Woman’s Brain—New Research in 'The MenoVerse'

It’s no secret that women’s health has received less attention. When it comes to menopause and the study of the female brain, there is much to learn, and many ground-breaking discoveries to come. Dr. Lisa Mosconi is leading the charge, and has just released the results of the first-ever estrogen brain imaging study.

What’s it all about?

For years, research around menopause and estrogen replacement therapy has been clouded and confusing. Misinformation about cancer risk and other major illnesses circulated across the globe, halting research in 2002. New breakthrough research scanned the brains of 54 healthy women aged 40-65, and its results showed consistent and progressively higher estrogen receptor density in several estrogen-regulated brain areas in the postmenopausal and perimenopausal groups compared with the control groups. 

What do higher estrogen receptors mean?

Having higher estrogen receptor density is generally associated with common menopause symptoms. It predicted things like decreased gray matter (brain tissue) volume, lower perfusion (oxygen flow), and energy metabolism in the brain, as well as changes in thermoregulation (yes—hot flashes), mood (depression, anxiety), cognition (brain fog), and libido (sex drive).

How does this help me?

In short, it will take time for this study to make a practical difference in your day-to-day life, but it is positive news for the future of women’s health! This is just the beginning of understanding how the female brain responds to menopause and its big hormonal shifts. The National Library of Medicine says that “as women approach midlife, there seems to be a critical window of opportunity not only to detect signs of neurological risk but to then intercede with strategies to reduce [it]” by treating estrogen levels. This important research will help narrow in on key therapeutic interventions, and help dictate future clinical trials related to estrogen, brain health, and menopause. In addition, this research pioneered the use of a new imaging style which could be a helpful tool for future studies.

“I think that this study is a proof of concept–that it is possible to measure hormones in the brain, you just have to put in the effort. You need to do it right.” -Dr. Lisa Mosconi

What is fascinating is that your brain is working overtime during menopause up until at least 65 to get the most out of the estrogen you do produce. In the future, you might see estrogen treatments for your brain. (Check out this Instagram Live chat with journalist and author Tamsen Fadal and Dr. Mosconi for more accessible info on your brain and menopause).

And finally, it’s big news that women’s brain health in midlife and menopause is simply being researched. That brain fog, confusion, and anxiety you may feel is not just your imagination—it has real biological markers in your brain, and scientists and experts around the world are working together to find solutions.

Buy Dr. Mosconi’s book, The Menopause Brain: New Science Empowers Women to Navigate the Pivotal Transition with Knowledge and Confidence, to help you understand your health journey, live well, and age better.