Oestrogen is a hormone produced in both men and women. Oestrogen also plays a critical role in the functioning of the brain, especially in memory and cognitive function. As women age and approach menopause, their levels decrease, which can have a significant impact on their cognitive health.
Studies have shown that oestrogen is a very important part of how the brain works, especially for memory and thinking. The hormone has been linked to better learning and a stronger memory. It has also been linked to cognitive decline and diseases that damage nerve cells, like Alzheimer’s.
Research has found that oestrogen affects the brain in several ways. For example, it influences the formation of new synapses, the connections between neurons that facilitate the transmission of signals in the brain. Oestrogen also regulates the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals between neurons. This hormone can also influence the structure of the brain, including the size and number of neurons.
As a woman goes through menopause, her level of oestrogen drops, which can cause her mental health to get worse. Studies have shown [see here] that post-menopausal women who have lower levels of oestrogen are more likely to experience memory problems and cognitive decline than those who have higher levels of oestrogen. This can make it hard to do things that require attention and memory, like remembering names or conversation details.
Postmenopausal women may have a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s as well as a decline in their brain power.Studies have shown that women who have undergone menopause are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than men of the same age. It is thought that this increased risk is caused by the drop in oestrogen that happens during menopause.
There are a number of things postmenopausal women can do to keep their brains healthy and possibly lower their risk of cognitive decline and diseases that damage nerve cells. One way is through hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which involves taking oestrogen supplements to replace the hormones lost during menopause. However, HRT is not without risks, and women should discuss the potential benefits and risks with their healthcare provider before starting this treatment.
Women who have gone through menopause may also benefit from regular exercise, a healthy diet, and mentally stimulating activities like doing puzzles or learning a new skill. These strategies can help the brain work better and may lower the risk of cognitive decline and diseases that hurt nerve cells.
