Medial frontal cortex perfusion abnormalities as evaluated by positron emission tomography in women with climacteric symptoms

Abstract

The present study revealed reductions in relative rCBF of the prefrontal cortex of Japanese women with moderate to severe climacteric symptoms. This area is close to that previously addressed in studies of familial bipolar depression and familial unipolar depression, although our participants did not satisfy criteria for depression. This reduction of rCBF may be related to the three climacteric symptom clusters, but further studies are needed for evaluation of its significance. Our results should stimulate investigations into the positron emission tomography rCBF change of these women as to the integration of multiple entities in climacteric symptoms.

Factors associated with the age of natural menopause and menopausal symptoms in Chinese women

“…Generally speaking, the KMI focuses primarily on symptomatic characteristics that are graded in severity by the physician rather than allowing women to personally rate their perceptions, which is exactly used in our study. Although there are currently a number of other tools used to measure menopausal symptoms, the KMI is still considered a useful instrument in clinical practice [33,34].…”

Is there anything special about valerian?

“…27 Among midlife women who seek clinical relief from hot flashes, chronic insomnia probably stems from depression because the brain images of such women reportedly resemble those of depressed patients. 28 This relationship, between menopause and depression, has been obscured in recent decades by a steeply increased prevalence of depression among younger women. 29,30 Most sleeping pills do not decisively relieve insomnia.…”

Sex Hormones and Healthy Psychological Aging in Women

“…In addition, sex hormones have an influence on other systems that have impact on brain functions, specifically the vascular tree, which determines the adequacy of cerebral blood perfusion (Abe et al, 2006 ; Izumi et al, 2006 ). Observed evidence of the impact of changes in estrogens on the vascular system are obvious in common menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, and research in this area suggests that vasomotor symptoms might represent a female-specific risk factor for memory declines during the menopausal transition (Maki, 2015 ).…”