Women experience many changes caused by shifting hormones throughout their lives. But did you know these changes can have a significant impact on women’s brains and mental health?
Women’s brain health has been underexplored in neuroscience, meaning not enough has been done to account for or fully understand the unique challenges women face across their lifetimes. New studies are giving us a better picture than ever of how women’s brains are shaped by hormones at different life stages.
Here, we explore some of the most valuable insights emerging from this research, with insight and commentary from our Women’s Health Clinical Lead, Dr Sam Wild.
Why has women's mental health been underrepresented in medical science?
In the past, most neuroscience studies have focused on the male brain, assuming that what applies for men will also apply for women. However, this approach doesn’t give the full picture, as there is actually a lot of variation between men’s and women’s brain health and how this can affect wellbeing.
Depression is 1.5 times more common in women, and around twice as many women have Alzheimer’s disease.
When it comes to understanding this gender bias, Dr Sam Wild explains that:
“Neuroscience research has often excluded women due to assumptions about the ‘complexity’ of female hormones. This has left a large gap in our understanding of hormonal changes across key life stages and how they can influence women’s brain function.” She goes on to say that, “it has also, unfortunately, led to misdiagnoses, such as prescribing antidepressants for menopause-related symptoms. There is a definite lack of tailored mental health support for women that accounts for their needs, which is why new research studies are vital.”
How do hormones impact women's mental health?
Beginning with puberty and continuing on through pregnancy, menopause, and beyond, women face many challenges as a result of changes to their bodies brought on by hormones.
For instance, during their period, women can feel their mood and brain function being affected by fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, dramatic hormonal shifts can trigger mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Declining oestrogen levels during menopause can also cause changes, as Dr Sam explains, “many women can experience brain fog, memory lapses, anxiety, panic attacks, and mood swings. Some also report new fears and phobias. Hormone related mood changes can be so extreme that they can be misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder.”
She adds that, “these changes highlight just how complex the relationship is between women’s reproductive hormones and their brain chemistry.”
New discoveries in women's brain health
There is still more that could be done within neuroscience, and some exciting new studies have begun to uncover more about women’s brain health and the direct link between hormonal shifts and mental health.
Periods and depression
Most women know that periods can negatively affect their mood, but the link between menstruation and mental health may be even stronger.
A recent study suggested that depression might be a cause of painful periods, rather than a result. It also suggested that genetics could play a crucial role in this connection. However, critics of the study point out that these links are likely to be more complex and require further research to understand fully.
While mood changes are common during periods, Dr Sam also points out that, “many women report changes to brain function during their period, such as lower concentration and slower reaction time.”
To empower women to work with their cycles, Dr Sam suggests the following lifestyle strategies to support both mood and brain function:
- Tracking cycles
Understanding cycles can help with planning around times of lower focus or energy. - Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
This can help with managing emotional symptoms and identifying patterns or ways of thinking. - Nutrition
As well as staying hydrated, a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, leafy greens, iron, and B vitamins can support concentration and brain function. - Exercise
Regular movement, even lighter activities such as walking, yoga or swimming, can boost circulation and improve mood and brain function by releasing endorphins. - Sleep
Hormonal changes can affect sleep quality, so establishing a good routine and prioritising rest helps reduce fatigue and brain fog.
Pregnancy and adapting for parenthood
A recent study revealed that grey matter reduces across the brain throughout pregnancy and then recovers six months postpartum.
Grey matter plays a key role in mental function, memory, and emotions, so this ‘remodelling’ process is thought to help support mothers in bonding with their baby, while adapting their brains for the new demands of parenthood. The postpartum recovery of grey matter is also thought to improve overall mental health.
“During pregnancy, the brain goes through a major transformation caused by hormonal shifts,” says Dr Sam. “This can enhance emotional bonding, empathy, and caregiving behaviours.”
She points out that, “the regions of the brain that are most affected are linked to emotional regulation and social cognition. These are reshaped to help the mother become more attuned to the baby’s needs and more responsive to emotional cues. In the postpartum period, women can experience deeper maternal instincts, intuition, and responsiveness to further develop protective and nurturing behaviours. Many women also report feeling more resilient and experiencing more emotional depth.”
Menopause and emotional stability
Menopause can have a huge effect on women’s brain health, with common challenging symptoms like anxiety and ‘brain fog’.
As noted by leading neurology professor, Lisa Mosconi, women’s brains also go through several beneficial changes during menopause. In a recent interview, she discusses how the emotional centre of the brain can become more regulated, leading to greater emotional stability, empathy, and self confidence.
On these lesser known symptoms, Dr Sam says that “while menopause is known to bring challenges, it can also lead to several positive and empowering changes.”
“Many women report feeling more assertive, self-assured and less anxious post-menopause once their hormones stabilise. They also experience relief from period and PMS symptoms, improving overall comfort and quality of life. The menopause transition often prompts refl ection and lifestyle changes leading women to prioritise wellbeing and personal fulfi lment. And as contraception is no longer a concern, sexual spontaneity and intimacy may improve for some women.”
Looking to the future of research
A greater push towards new studies means the knowledge gap in women’s mental health research is beginning to close.
We are gaining a better understanding of how women’s brains are shaped by hormones throughout their lives, giving clinicians the knowledge to identify potential challenges and risks earlier.
And for women themselves, knowing how their mental health could be affected at different stages will allow them to better spot and manage symptoms as they appear. The important thing to remember is that every person’s brain is unique, and some might be more or less affected by hormones than others.
On the future of women’s mental health research, Dr Sam said:
“We’re finally seeing a shift in how women’s brain health is studied and supported with growing recognition of how hormonal transitions affect mental wellbeing. Awareness is increasing that women’s mental health needs are unique and deserve tailored care. With continued investment, education, and advocacy, I’m optimistic that future generations will experience more informed, compassionate, and effective support throughout every stage of their hormonal life.”
