Menopause Reframes the Brain: Resting Networks Reorganize Across Midlife

A two-year study tracking resting-state brain activity across premenopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause found widespread, estrogen-linked changes in functional networks, indicating menopause is a neurological transition that may explain short-term cognitive symptoms and influence long-term brain aging. The work, published in Menopause, emphasizes that resting-state measurements reveal brain reorganization not captured by task-based tests and notes ongoing trials comparing natural hormonal trajectories with hormone therapy to protect brain health as women age; with about 6,000 US women entering menopause daily, the findings have broad public-health implications.