Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Study Reveals Menstrual Hormones Transform Women's Brain Structure

10/4/2025

33 8

Summary

Story summary

A 2023 study from the University of California, Santa Barbara shows menstrual cycle hormones reshape brain.
It tracked 30 women and documented brain changes across phases.
MRI revealed fluctuations in gray and white matter and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tied to hormonal shifts.
Before ovulation, rising hormones suggested faster information transfer; after ovulation, progesterone linked to more tissue and less CSF.

1 of 1

Story summary

A 2023 study from the University of California, Santa Barbara shows menstrual cycle hormones reshape brain.
It tracked 30 women and documented brain changes across phases.
MRI revealed fluctuations in gray and white matter and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tied to hormonal shifts.
Before ovulation, rising hormones suggested faster information transfer; after ovulation, progesterone linked to more tissue and less CSF.