Neuroendocrinology: Oestrogen therapy affects brain structure but not function

Nat Rev Neurol. 2016 Sep 28;12(10):561-2. doi: 10.1038/nrneurol.2016.147.

Abstract

According to new research, oestrogen therapy in postmenopausal women is associated with ventricular enlargement and increased white matter hyperintensities in the brain, but not with cognitive decline. This disconnect between structural and functional effects suggests that brain-derived lipids can be harnessed to meet the bioenergetic demand imposed by normal cognition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Cerebral Ventricles / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Ventricles / drug effects
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / chemically induced*
  • Estradiol / pharmacology
  • Estrogen Replacement Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Estrogens / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Postmenopause / drug effects*
  • White Matter / diagnostic imaging
  • White Matter / drug effects

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Estradiol