The “Menopausal Brain”
#men should read this too
For ages, the school of medicine has looked upon the degenerative changes in the brain, the neurophysiology and pathology, as a single entity, that of an “organ” of Homo sapiens.
Today, in the age of precision medicine, we are starting to realise that, at age fifty, the brain is a different organ, male and female: the XX brain vs the XY brain. Oestrogen, or rather the lack of it, plays a vital role.
In short, the female brain has unique risk factors and needs to be cared for, in a unique way. Oestrogen has a profound effect on female health. Thus, as oestrogen declines in the peri-menopause, (starting as early as 45 years of age) it impacts the brain and all other systems in a cascade of events. Remember that almost every cell in the female body has receptors for oestrogen. So, as the brain becomes deficient in 17 beta Estradiol (E2), there is an increased risk for neuroinflammation, low mood, cognitive decline, and dementia. Oestrogen (E2) is directly protective of neurons that produce neurotransmitters like Serotonin that is needed for a stable mood, and Acetylcholine, essential for memory.
Only you can take steps to enhance your brain health. The halt of the degenerative process in the brain is multifactorial. Make informed choices. At Skinlogic clinic we address female health in a holistic way for the individual.
Take into consideration, the following:
# optimizing nutrition
# hormone replacement therapy (taylormade bio-identical therapy)
# infection
# toxic load
# gut health
# sleep & exercise
# sufficient sunlight
# dietary intervention eg. eating in a “feeding window” or intermittent fasting
# stress management
# steps to decrease chronic inflammation
Authors that make a good read on the topic of brain health, include:
Max Lugavere
Dr Lisa Mosconi
Dr Louise Newson
Dr David Perlmutter all of whom challenged the “status quo” on the topic of brain health after a parent or dear family member suffered severe dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.