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Estrogen and Brain Function

Meaning

Estrogen and Brain Function describes the extensive, pleiotropic influence of the sex hormone estrogen, primarily estradiol, on the structure, metabolism, and functional output of the central nervous system across the lifespan. Estrogen acts as a potent neurosteroid, modulating various aspects of cognitive performance, including memory consolidation, verbal fluency, and executive function. Beyond cognition, it plays a critical role in mood regulation, sleep architecture, and providing robust neuroprotection against oxidative stress and inflammatory damage. The decline of estrogen is a significant factor in age-related cognitive vulnerability.