Assoc. Prof. Caroline Gurvich: How Hormones Shape Women’s Mental Health | Bouncing Back #64

Pregnancy fluctuations can significantly impact a woman’s mood, memory, and overall well-being. Understanding this relationship is key to managing mental health effectively.

Meet Assoc. Prof. Caroline Gurvich

Caroline is an Associate Professor and a clinical neuropsychologist. She is the Deputy Director of the HER Centre Australia, Monash University, and Head of the Cognition and Hormones Group. Caroline has a research interest in the neuropsychology of women’s mental health, particularly in understanding how hormones influence cognitive functioning. Caroline’s research combines neuropsychological assessments with eye movement research to characterise cognition. She is also the Chair of the Victorian College of Clinical Neuropsychologists and works as a neuropsychologist in private practice.

Caroline has over 120 publications that have ultimately contributed to a better understanding of how biological factors influence symptoms and cognition in mental health and mental illness. She is the recipient of several awards, prizes, and competitive grant funding, including NHMRC project grants, an NHMRC early career fellowship, Rebecca Cooper Foundation project grant, and institutional and philanthropic funding. She is a dedicated supervisor to PhD candidates, honours students, neuropsychology registrars, and medical student placements. Caroline has established ongoing biodatabanks to better understand the biological mechanisms underpinning symptoms across neuropsychiatric disorders.

About the episode

Estrogen and progesterone, women’s primary sex hormones, play a significant role in regulating reproductive functions while exerting profound effects on the brain. Estrogen interacts with serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential for mood regulation, and dopamine, which influences motivation. Both estrogen and progesterone affect GABA, impacting cognition and mood.

Women experience notable hormonal fluctuations throughout life, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and postpartum, and perimenopause and menopause. These hormonal changes can affect mental health and cognition in different women. A common cognitive manifestation during these transitions is “brain fog,” a term used to describe lapses in concentration, everyday forgetfulness, difficulty retrieving words, and a general sense of mental fogginess.

It is essential to differentiate perimenopausal brain fog from conditions such as dementia and ADHD. Unlike dementia, brain fog does not prevent the formation of new memories, as information remains intact but may be harder to retrieve. Hormonal changes can also exacerbate existing ADHD symptoms, although true ADHD would have been present earlier in life.

Women can take various steps to build resilience and manage the symptoms associated with hormonal fluctuations:

Regular physical activity. It benefits brain and mental health, while adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, supports cognitive function.
Stress management practices. Meditation, mindfulness, and yoga help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
Maintaining strong social connections. It fosters cognitive resilience, while engaging in mentally stimulating activities strengthens cognitive reserve.

For those experiencing persistent symptoms, seeking support from healthcare providers knowledgeable about hormone-related issues can provide medical guidance. Connecting with peers experiencing similar challenges through support groups or online communities offers valuable emotional support. Additionally, working with therapists or coaches specializing in women’s health can provide targeted strategies to manage symptoms effectively.

In conclusion

Understanding the intricate relationship between hormones, mental health, and cognition is essential for women’s well-being. With the proper knowledge and tools, women can thrive throughout all stages of life, embracing the changes that come with each phase while maintaining optimal mental and cognitive health.

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