Updated on 07/05/2025
Menopause is a natural process in a woman's life cycle and can directly affect not only the reproductive system but also brain health. Just before and during menopause, women may experience neurological symptoms such as sleep disorders, declines in memory and cognitive functions, mood changes, and changes in migraine frequency. These symptoms are directly linked to the decrease in estrogen levels in the brain.
Photo: Dilek Necioğlu Örken
Estrogen, in addition to being a critical hormone for reproductive health, plays an important role in many neural networks that regulate brain functions. Estrogen receptors are especially concentrated in areas that regulate body temperature and control the sleep-wake cycle. Therefore, the decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to hot flashes, sleep irregularities, and cognitive dysfunction.
Additionally, estrogen contributes to cardiovascular health by dilating blood vessels and helping to keep them healthy, providing protection against atherosclerosis. As estrogen levels drop, the risk of high blood pressure increases in women, which can negatively affect the health of brain vessels. This process may help explain why the risk of stroke doubles in women after menopause.
Although menopause does not directly cause a neurological disease, it may exhibit symptoms similar to certain neurological conditions. For example, disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and obstructive sleep apnea may present with symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, disorientation, irritability, and fatigue. Therefore, a detailed neurological evaluation is important to determine whether such symptoms during menopause are solely due to hormonal changes.
While some women in the menopause and perimenopause periods experience mild symptoms, others may encounter more prominent neurological and cognitive changes. In such cases, both hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options are available.
The effects of menopause on the brain are complex and multifaceted. Hormonal changes have a wide range of impact, from cognitive functions to mood, sleep patterns to vascular health of the brain. It is important for women to understand the symptoms they may encounter during this process and to consult a specialist when necessary, considering the potential overlap with neurological diseases.
