A new review has highlighted the various ways in which sex hormones, primarily associated with reproduction, impact brain health. The study details how these hormones directly affect neurons and regulate gene expression linked to brain function.

Conducted by researchers from McGill University, Canada, the review explores the role of neurosteroids—hormones produced in the brain—which could have significant therapeutic potential for treating neurological disorders.

Published in the journal Brain Medicine, the review examines the influence of sex hormones on a range of neurological conditions, including vascular disorders like migraines and strokes, as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, it discusses their role in sleep-related disorders.

The findings suggest that understanding the mechanisms of sex hormones on brain health could lead to new treatment strategies for various nervous system disorders. Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to explore the clinical applications of neurosteroids in brain-related diseases.