Research project The goal of the research is to better understand how sex hormones affect the aging brain. In the long term, our results may pave the way for more effective and personalized treatments.
During menopause, 60–80% of women experience hot flashes and night sweats, and about a third have symptoms so severe that their quality of life is significantly affected. The most effective treatment available today is hormonal therapy, known as MHT. We compare women who use MHT after menopause with women who have never used MHT. In addition, we want to investigate whether women at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease are particularly sensitive to the effects of MHT.
The most effective treatment for symptoms during menopause available today is hormonal therapy, known as MHT, which relieves symptoms very effectively. MHT usually consists of both an estrogen and a progestin, a hormone similar to progesterone.
The progestin is used to protect the uterine lining against the growth-stimulating effects of estrogen. However, research has shown that certain progestins can affect the brain's signaling system, especially the GABA system, which acts as the brain's "brake". This in turn may be important for both memory and the development of Alzheimer's disease.
In our research project, we use advanced brain imaging methods, with simultaneous PET and MRI, to study how progestins with known effects on GABAs primary target receptor, affect the brain's GABA system, brain function and memory. We compare women who use continuous hormone therapy (MHT) after menopause with comparable women who have never used MHT. In addition, we want to investigate whether women at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease – based on genetic factors and levels of Alzheimer's-related biomarkers in the blood – are particularly sensitive to the effects of MHT.
The goal of the research is to better understand how sex hormones affect the aging brain. In the long term, our results may pave the way for more effective and personalized treatments.
