Women's brain health scholars to convene at ACNP Winter 2026

Brain Health and Mental Health in Women Across Reproductive Transitions and the Lifespan: Evidence from Multi-modal Brain Imaging Studies

Brain health and mental health in women across reproductive transitions is a vital area of research with profound implications for public health. Reproductive transitions in women—including menarche, pregnancy, and menopause—are periods marked by significant hormonal underpinnings along with increased vulnerability to neuropsychological symptoms and cognitive decline. Growing evidence indicates that these reproductive transitions are also accompanied by notable changes in brain structure and function, further influencing neuropsychological outcomes. Gaining a deeper understanding of how neural and psychological factors change across the lifespan is essential for advancing the health of women.

Chaired by Dr. Hadine Joffe (Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and Executive Director of the Connors Center for Women's Health and Gender Biology) this panel brings together emerging brain imaging data from across the lifespan to advance knowledge on how the reproductive transitions of menarche, pregnancy, and menopause uniquely shape women’s brain health and mental health trajectories.