The Neural Basis of Anxiety Across Menstrual Cycle

Abstract

The effects of estrogen on anxiety-like behaviors results are controversial. Menstrual cycle phase modulates anxiety-related neural function in women have not been sufficiently investigated. The neural base of anxiety possible incongruent across menstrual cycle was investigated in the current study. We studied the neural correlates of anxiety across menstrual cycle approach from cortical evoked magnetic field (MEF) activity under threaten cue stimulus by sLORETA in 14 healthy women. Evaluations included comparisons of the time-course, early vs. late processing (EP: 1-250ms; LP: 251-500ms after stimulus onset) during the menstrual (MC) and peri-ovulatory (OV) phases (MC vs. OV), using dynamic spatio-temporal analysis. Healthy women exhibited dissimilar anxiety-associated patterns of fear neuronal circuitry across menstrual cycle. Analyses revealed significant interaction of the time-course (EP vs. LP) and menstrual cycle phase (MC vs. OV) in the highest anxiety-associated regions. Inversely relation of the anxiety state and insular activation was revealed in the MC vs. OV phase. Results indicated that women can use different attention/cognitive resources in response to fear event across the menstrual cycle. This study presents the first evidence that menstrual cycle phase can modulates anxiety-related neural activation in women. Inconsistent anxiety subtypes may occur at different menstrual cycle. These features are an important consideration in understanding the effect of the menstrual cycle on the neural substrates of anxiety, and provide a potential contribute in pathophysiological or therapeutic implications for menstrual cycle-sensitive psychiatric conditions.