Not So Random Thoughts

One of the potential issues facing women who have gone through menopause, is the loss of some of the protective effects estrogen has on the body. The protective effects of estrogen on the bones and heart are more well known than the beneficial effects of estrogen on the brain. For example, estrogen helps in the growth of cells called glial cells, which provide energy to the brain by acting as an intermediary between our neurons and the blood supply. These glial cells also affect the neurons themselves. During the development of the fetus, infancy, puberty, and pregnancy, estrogen encourages our neurons to grow more dendritic spines, which improve the way we process information by creating more connections for processing it.

Estrogen’s effects on the workings of the brain aren’t just limited to these phases however. Estrogen also affects parts of the brain that are involved with learning and memory. It does this by making more effective the activity of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and acetylcholine. Acetylcholine helps us learn, remember information, and concentrate. Norepinephrine increases the flow of blood to our brain and helps make us more alert. And norepinephrine produces another neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine is involved with our ability to remember faces, facts, and events, amongst other things.

Of more serious implications, is the effect estrogen has on preventing the formation of beta amyloid plaques. These so-called ‘dead spots’ are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Estrogen can also act as an antioxidant in the brain, and prevent inflammation.

The marked reduction in estrogen in the body during menopause can result in the pre-menopause symptoms like forgetfulness, lack of concentration, mental fuzziness, and using the wrong words in conversation.

To alleviate some of these symptoms, many women choose to go on HRT therapy. Hormone replacement therapy seeks to mitigate the loss of estrogen by supplying either bio-identical hormones or synthetic hormones to a woman, according to individual hormonal needs. In relation to the effects of estrogen on the brain, a study conducted at the US National Institute on Aging found some interesting differences between the brains of post-menopausal women on estrogen therapy, and those who did not receive it.

The researchers actually found that women on estrogen therapy aged differently. They had more blood flow to their brains in the areas that involved memory. Whether or not this translates into a protective effect with Alzheimer’s is another question. That has not been established, and women must take into account some of the other risks associated with hormone therapy.

Tags: Menopause //