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estrogen

·April 4, 2025·5 min read

Female Hormones Trigger Pain Relief via Immune Cells

Scientists have discovered that female hormones like estrogen and progesterone can trigger immune cells near the spinal cord to release natural opioids, easing pain before it reaches the brain. These immune cells, known as T regulatory cells (T-regs), are located in the meninges and produce the painkilling molecule enkephalin in response to hormonal signals.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 30, 2024·6 min read

Estrogen Drives Binge Drinking Behavior in Females

The hormone estrogen increases binge drinking in females by enhancing activity in neurons within the brain's BNST region. The effect is particularly strong during high-estrogen phases, leading to "front-loading," or rapid alcohol consumption within the first 30 minutes of availability.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 3, 2024·4 min read

Estrogen’s Quick Impact on Neurons via Clic1

Researchers have discovered that estrogen's fast action on neurons is mediated by the estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) coupling with the chloride ion channel Clic1. This interaction allows estrogen to regulate nerve impulses within milliseconds, influencing processes like mood, cognition, and body weight.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 2, 2024·2 min read

Synthetic Estrogen in Birth Control Linked to Anxiety

Researchers suggest that the type of estrogen in hormonal birth control influences anxiety-like behaviors. Researchers found that synthetic estrogen in birth control led to increased anxiety behaviors in female rats compared to natural estrogen.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 23, 2023·5 min read

Stress Neurons Mapped the Brain, Exposing Estrogen Link

Researchers pinpointed a specific group of nerve cells in the mouse brain that play a role in negative emotional states and chronic stress. The neurons, which were mapped using a variety of advanced techniques, were found to possess estrogen receptors.

This shows the outline of a woman's head

Featured Neuroscience

·December 13, 2022·6 min read

Subcutaneous Fat Emerges as a Protector of Females’ Brains

Subcutaneous fat has a neuroprotective effect against brain inflammation, but the effect may diminish following menopause.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 10, 2022·4 min read

Estrogen May Offer Protection Against Delirium

When treated with estrogen, mouse models showed marked reductions in inflammatory markers and a decrease in delirium-like behaviors.

This shows the location of the thalamus in the brain

Featured Neuroscience

·October 17, 2022·4 min read

Nicotine Dose in a Single Cigarette Blocks Estrogen Production in Women’s Brains

The dose of nicotine from a single cigarette blocks estrogen production in the brain, causing behavioral changes. Findings may shed new light on why quitting smoking may be more difficult for women than men.

This shows a man and a woman's arm holding weights

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 31, 2022·4 min read

Genetic Sex Determines the Way Your Muscle “Talks” to Other Tissues in Your Body

Sex-specific circuits in muscles signal to other tissues and organs, processing muscle impact differently in males and females.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 10, 2022·3 min read

Stress May Be Associated With Fertility Issues in Women

Researchers say stress may directly impact female fertility and ovarian reserve. Exposing female rats to scream sounds, researchers noted a decrease in estrogen and Anti-Mullerian hormone levels. Stress also reduced the number and quality of eggs, resulting in smaller litters. The findings shed light on the role stress may play on female reproduction.