Wellness Compass

Is the Brain at Risk After Menopause? The Impact of Estrogen Decline on Women’s Brain Health | Wellness Compass Life Series: Women’s Brain Health — Why Are We at Greater Risk? (Part 2) 1. What Really Happens to the Brain After Menopause Menopause isn’t just a reproductive milestone — it’s a neurological transition . During this time, estrogen levels drop sharply, and that shift changes how the brain fuels, connects, and repairs itself. “The menopausal transition is a neurological event with measurable effects on brain structure, connectivity, and energy metabolism.” — Mosconi et al., Scientific Reports (2021) Estrogen supports the brain’s mitochondria (its energy source), stabilizes the hippocampus (memory center), and strengthens neural communication. When estrogen declines, brain metabolism slows — leading to brain fog, forgetfulness, or mood swings. It’s not “just aging.” It’s the brain adapting ...

Why Is Alzheimer’s More Common in Women? The Hidden Link Between Genes and Menopause | Women’s Brain Health Series: Women’s Brain Health — Why Are We at Greater Risk? (Part 1) 1. Why Alzheimer’s Affects More Women Than Men Did you know that about two out of three Alzheimer’s patients are women ? It’s not just because women live longer. Recent studies show that genetic, hormonal, and postmenopausal changes all contribute to making women’s brains more vulnerable to cognitive decline. 👉 Reference: Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences (2025) 2. The Genetic Factor — X Chromosomes and Brain Inflammation Women carry two X chromosomes, and these chromosomes contain many genes related to immune and neural functions . While this offers stronger immune defense, it can also make the brain more sensitive to inflammation. When immune regulation goes off balance, the brain’s defense system can become overactive, potentially acce...