Study Links Menopause to Grey Matter Loss and Mental Health Challenges
Research from the University of Cambridge has found that menopause is associated with reduced grey matter volume in key brain regions, as well as increased anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties. The study, published in Psychological Medicine, analyzed data from the UK Biobank involving nearly 125,000 women. It found that post-menopausal women, regardless of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use, showed significant reductions in grey matter volume. The research highlights the need for lifestyle and mental health support during menopause, as well as the potential implications for dementia risk.