⏳ What menopause changes in a woman's brain

Could menopause alter the very structure of the brain? Beyond the common symptoms, this natural stage in a woman's life appears to be linked to brain transformations and certain disorders, according to a recent study.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge observed a reduction in grey matter volume in several important brain regions after menopause. These areas, such as the hippocampus or the anterior cingulate cortex, are involved in memory, emotion management, and decision-making. These structural changes seem to occur independently of the use of hormone therapy.


To arrive at these observations, the team analyzed data from nearly 125,000 women from the UK Biobank. The participants were classified according to their menopausal status and whether or not they used hormone therapy. They answered questionnaires about their health and underwent tests, while about 11,000 women had magnetic resonance imaging to examine their brains.

Women who have passed menopause more often report sleep difficulties, such as insomnia or persistent fatigue. They also consult more frequently for anxiety or depression problems and make greater use of antidepressants. The study indicates that these disorders could also be present before menopause, which is why some women were already receiving hormone therapy.

In terms of cognitive abilities, postmenopausal women without hormone therapy show a slower reaction time compared to those who have not reached this stage or who use this treatment. On the other hand, memory does not show a marked difference between the groups, according to the tests performed.

Hormone therapy does not appear to prevent brain transformations or mental health difficulties. Nevertheless, it could mitigate the slowing of reaction time that typically accompanies aging. The researchers note that this treatment is sometimes prescribed preventively for already existing symptoms.

The brain regions affected by these changes are those often involved in Alzheimer's disease. This could help explain why almost twice as many women are affected by dementia. Scientists highlight the importance of an active lifestyle and a balanced diet during this period.

Menopausal hormone therapy

Hormone therapy is a medical treatment aimed at compensating for the drop in female sex hormones during menopause. It usually involves administering estrogens, alone or combined with progesterone, to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness.

Its use is quite widespread, particularly to relieve mood and sleep disorders associated with this period. In England, for example, about 15% of women received a prescription in 2023. Treatment is often started around the age of menopause, at around 49 on average.

Therapeutic decisions are personalized: doctors assess the benefits and risks for each patient, taking into account their medical history and symptoms. Regular follow-up allows for the approach to be adjusted if necessary.