Lecture 4: Sex Hormones and the Brain Flashcards
The following are impacts of sex hormones on the brain:
i) impact on ___________ at important stages of change over lifespan
ii) role in ______ and _________ development, structure, function
iii) effect quality of _______ and ______
iv) role in _____________ and ___________ disorders
i) development
ii) glial; neuronal
iii) cognition; mood
iv) psychopathology; mental health
What is the most researched and potent strand of estrogen?
Estradiol.
What is the difference between M and F on progesterone?
Males stable levels, females fluctuate across menstrual cycle
By interacting directly with the __________, sex hormones impact _________.
Nervous system; behaviour.
Estrogen and progesterone are important for…
…brain development and plasticity.
Also influence activity of main NT systems and NT receptor function.
What is some evidence for biological sex differences?
Toy preferences: M like active toys, F like nurturance and social play
Testosterone is associated with ________, leading to _____ and ______ guarding.
aggressions; mate; territorial
Higher levels of estrogen are associated with what 3 positive outcomes?
- better mood
- increased memory
- increased EF
What are pheromones? How do they differ from hormones?
Chemicals carrying messages from animal to animal (vs. chemicals transmitting messages from secreting gland to another target tissue)
There is a correlation between suicide attempts and periods of ____ estrogen in women.
Low.
Contraceptive users at greater risk of requiring __________ medication.
Anti-depressant.
What is post-partum depression?
Onset of depressive symptoms after birth of baby.
List 4 factors affecting post-partum depression.
- genetic vulnerability
- change in hormone levels (rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone)
- high stress
- lack of sleep
Anxiety disorders are more prevalent for ________.
Women. 1.5-2x
Associated with low levels of estradiol, leading to impaired fear extinction recall.
