- By Iram Hussain
- Sun, 05 Jan 2025 05:45 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Hormonal changes in women significantly influence brain function while affecting mood, cognition and overall mental health. These fluctuations are most notable during key life stages such as puberty, pregnancy, menstruation and menopause. Hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone have profound effects on the brain, shaping emotions, memory and even the risk of neurological conditions. Understanding how these hormones impact the brain can help demystify many common experiences that women go through, from mood swings to cognitive challenges.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Rajesh Gupta, Director, Neurosciences, Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj explained the effects of hormonal changes on brain function in women.
Puberty And Adolescence
During puberty, the brain undergoes critical development and the surge in hormones like estrogen and progesterone plays a pivotal role in shaping brain circuits. Estrogen, for example, enhances synaptic plasticity, the brain's ability to form new connections which is essential for learning and memory. However, this period can also be marked by emotional turmoil as these hormonal changes contribute to mood swings, anxiety and even depression. The brain's limbic system which governs emotions becomes more reactive, making emotional regulation more challenging during this time.
Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is another time of notable hormonal fluctuation. Estrogen and progesterone levels rise and fall in phases throughout the cycle and these shifts can impact both cognitive function and mood. Many women report feeling sharper and more energised during the follicular phase when estrogen levels are rising. Estrogen has neuroprotective effects, supporting brain health and boosting serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation. In contrast, during the luteal phase when progesterone peaks, some women experience brain fog, irritability and fatigue.
Pregnancy And Postpartum
Pregnancy introduces a dramatic hormonal shift with an increase in hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen and progesterone. These hormones prepare the body for childbirth but also influence brain function in significant ways. For many women, pregnancy is a time of heightened sensitivity to emotions and changes in cognitive performance. The hormonal fluctuations can impair memory and attention, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “pregnancy brain.” After childbirth, the postpartum period can bring about further changes. The drop in estrogen and progesterone levels after delivery can contribute to postpartum depression, affecting mood, memory and cognitive clarity.
Menopause And Perimenopause
Menopause, typically occurring in a woman's late 40s to early 50s marks the end of reproductive years and is characterised by a sharp decline in estrogen and progesterone levels. This transition can result in a wide range of cognitive and emotional challenges. Many women experience memory problems, difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbances which can be linked to these hormonal changes. Menopause is associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression and mood swings, partially due to the hormonal fluctuations affecting neurotransmitter systems involved in regulating mood.
Long-Term Effects And Brain Health
Long-term hormonal changes, especially the decrease in estrogen during menopause have been linked to an increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Estrogen has neuroprotective effects and its decline may leave the brain more vulnerable to oxidative stress and inflammation. Women are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's as men and this difference is thought to be partially due to hormonal influences on brain ageing.