Sex steroids and the female brain across the lifespan: insights into risk of depression and Alzheimer's disease

Claudia Barth; Arielle Crestol; Ann-Marie G de Lange; Liisa A M Galea

doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00224-3

Sex steroids and the female brain across the lifespan: insights into risk of depression and Alzheimer's disease

Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2023 Dec;11(12):926-941. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00224-3. Epub 2023 Oct 18.

Authors

Claudia Barth¹, Arielle Crestol², Ann-Marie G de Lange³, Liisa A M Galea⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
³ Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
⁴ Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.

PMID: 37865102
DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00224-3

Abstract

Despite widespread sex differences in prevalence and presentation of numerous illnesses affecting the human brain, there has been little focus on the effect of endocrine ageing. Most preclinical studies have focused on males only, and clinical studies often analyse data by covarying for sex, ignoring relevant differences between the sexes. This sex- (and gender)-neutral approach is biased and contributes to the absence of targeted treatments and services for all sexes (and genders). Female health has been historically understudied, with grave consequences for their wellbeing and health equity. In this Review, we spotlight female brain health across the lifespan by informing on the role of sex steroids, particularly oestradiol, on the female brain and on risk for diseases more prevalent in females, such as depression and Alzheimer's disease.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Alzheimer Disease* / epidemiology
Brain
Depression / epidemiology
Female
Humans
Longevity
Male
Sex Characteristics
Steroids

Substances

Steroids