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The Neurology of Menopause
Hannah J Roeder1, Enrique C Leira2
1Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA. hannah-roeder@uiowa.edu.
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Menopause significantly impacts neurological health, potentially worsening conditions like stroke and Alzheimer's. Individualized hormone therapy is crucial, highlighting the need for more menopause-focused neurological research.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Menopause is a critical neuroendocrine transition.
- It has profound implications for central nervous system (CNS) health.
- Understanding these links is vital for managing neurological conditions in aging women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex relationship between menopause and major CNS disorders.
- To examine how menopause influences conditions such as stroke, migraine, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of existing research.
- It synthesizes findings on the neurobiological impact of menopause.
- Focuses on the bidirectional interactions between menopausal status and neurological disease progression.
Main Results:
- Menopause can be an inflection point for neurological conditions, increasing risks for vascular injury and neurodegeneration.
- Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause may trigger or worsen migraines and seizures.
- Estrogen therapy's effects are varied, showing cognitive benefits in premature ovarian insufficiency but potential stroke risks in older women.
Conclusions:
- Menopause is a key transition period demanding attention in neurological research.
- Individualized risk-benefit assessments for hormone therapy are essential.
- Further research prioritizing menopause is critical for advancing neurological care.
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