Updated

Updated · University of Vermont · Jun 30

UVM Study Finds 3 Menopause Stages Reshape Brain Activity in 1.3 Million U.S. Women Yearly

Updated

Updated · University of Vermont · Jun 30

UVM Study Finds 3 Menopause Stages Reshape Brain Activity in 1.3 Million U.S. Women Yearly

3 articles · Updated · University of Vermont · Jun 30

Resting-state brain activity differed significantly across premenopause, perimenopause and postmenopause in a University of Vermont study published in Menopause, pointing to menopause as a neurological transition as well as a reproductive one.
Estrogen fluctuations appear to drive those differences, with researchers reporting changes in functional connectivity between brain regions and at the network level.
The findings are among the first to show menopause-linked brain changes through resting-state activity, offering evidence that midlife hormone shifts may affect current cognitive experience and long-term brain aging.
About 6,000 U.S. women enter menopause each day—roughly 1.3 million a year—underscoring why the team is extending the work to compare natural hormones and hormone therapies in aging women.

Sources

University of Vermont1d ago

UVM Researchers Detail Menopause's Impact on Brain Function and Activity

neu-plus.com1d ago

Why women are turning to NAD+ for menopause symptoms – NEU+

WSFA1d ago

Menopause may change brain function, new UVM study finds

4 Sources

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Overview

Traditionally, menopause has been seen mainly as a reproductive event, with focus on symptoms like hot flashes and hormonal changes. However, many women between 40 and 55 report issues such as forgetfulness and mental fog, revealing a gap between medical understanding and real experiences. This highlighted the need for a broader perspective. A recent study from the University of Vermont led by Dr. Julie Dumas and Dr. Abigail Testo is changing this view by showing that menopause is also a significant neurological phase shift, fundamentally reshaping how menopause is understood.

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