Systematic review, 2014
Do estrogen and progesterone change how the brain processes emotions and decisions?
Yes. These hormones affect which brain areas activate when women process emotions and make decisions, particularly in areas involved in mood and choice-making. The specific pattern varies by hormone level and person.
What they did
Systematic review of 24 studies using brain imaging (fMRI) in healthy cycling women or those on hormonal birth control, plus 6 studies of PMDD and 3 of gender dysphoria. All participants were of reproductive age.
What they found
Low and high levels of estrogen and progesterone had different effects on brain activity in areas like the amygdala (emotion), anterior cingulate cortex (emotion and attention), and inferior frontal gyrus (decision-making). However, the patterns varied across studies and groups.
What it means for you
Hormones affect how the brain processes emotions and decisions, but the effect is complex and individual. Research is early. Larger, more detailed studies are needed to understand the exact mechanism.
24
studies in healthy cycling women
6
studies of PMDD
3
studies of gender dysphoria
About the study
- Original title
- Emotional and cognitive functional imaging of estrogen and progesterone effects in the female human brain: a systematic review
- Authors
- Toffoletto S, Lanzenberger R, Gingnell M et al.
- Journal
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Year
- 2014
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- Natural menstrual cycle phases, hormonal birth control, hormone therapy
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.07.025
Topics
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