Last week, new research was presented at The Menopause Society’s 2025 Annual Meeting that revealed menopause may significantly complicate brain injury recovery. The NIH-recognized organization further notes that current medical assessments completely miss this in evaluations. The problem? Standard tests ignore hormonal status, potentially delaying healing in millions of women.

As previously noted in two 2018 articles on this site, when estrogen and progesterone levels plummet during menopause, the brain loses critical protective shields. According to NIH data, these hormones normally work to fight inflammation, reduce brain swelling, and protect cells after injury. Without them, recovery becomes more challenging. More so, menopause symptoms, such as memory problems, headaches, and mood changes, exactly mirror those of brain injury, making diagnosis nearly impossible without hormone-specific assessments.

More recent NIH studies, though, also emphasize that it is very possible to protect yourself from menopause’s adverse effects. A 2024 report by the NIH National Institute on Aging, found that regular exercise (150 minutes weekly), a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fish and vegetables, quality sleep, and managing hot flashes all support brain resilience. Additionally, maintaining healthy blood pressure and preventing falls also becomes crucial during this vulnerable time of life. Most importantly, the Institute emphasizes the importance of having a conversation about your hormonal status with your doctors following a head injury. This simple action could transform your recovery.