Neuroimaging of aging and estrogen effects on central nervous system physiology

Objective: To review the literature on neuroimaging studies focusing on gen der differences in the aging process and on the effects of postmenopausal e strogen use on the brain. Design: Pertinent studies were identified through a computer MEDLINE search . References of selected articles were hand-searched for additional citatio ns. Conclusion(s): The current literature suggests that estrogen replacement ma y decrease brain white matter lesions, increase cerebral blood flow, alter regional brain activation patterns during cognitive processing, and have mo dulatory effects on various neurotransmitter systems. Overall this points t o a functional plasticity in higher order brain processing that can be alte red by gonadal steroids. (Fertil Steril(R) 2001;76:651-9. (C) 2001 by Ameri can Society for Reproductive Medicine.).