About this Research Topic
The influence of reproductive hormones, including testosterone, oestrogen, and progesterone, on the neural system, and its supporting vasculature, is not yet fully understood, particularly in situations where hormonal levels fluctuate from baseline or ‘healthy’ levels. Receptors for these hormones are found throughout the cortex and retina. In addition, fluctuations in these hormones are associated with neurodegenerative conditions; for example, previous research suggests that oestrogen has a neuroprotective effect on Alzheimer’s disease and glaucoma, but the mechanism of this connection is not yet understood. Hormonal changes (both in medical conditions and regular hormonal cycles) are also associated with changes in cognition, mood, and risk of conditions such as migraine throughout the lifespan. A better understanding of the mechanisms behind such relations may aid in treatment and symptom relief.
This topic aims to investigate the influence of hormonal fluctuations on cortical and/or retinal structure and function. This research will lead to a more thorough understanding of how reproductive hormones interact with these neural systems and risk susceptibility to, for example, menstrual symptoms and neurodegenerative conditions.
In addition, there are certain populations who experience notable changes in reproductive hormonal levels, but in whom the interaction with retinal and brain health and functioning remains woefully under researched (e.g., people with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or on Hormone Replacement Therapy). Improved understanding of the effects of these hormonal fluctuations would improve standards of care in these populations and provide deeper knowledge of the mechanistic effect of these hormones.
There are several areas of interest to this topic, which can be interrogated using various retinal and/or brain imaging techniques (e.g., Optical coherence tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) in either original research, meta-analysis, or literature review. These include, but are not limited to:
1. Sex differences, particularly as related to hormone differences.
2. Changes across a menstrual cycle and the reproductive lifespan (e.g., puberty, pregnancy, fertility treatment, menopause).
3. Hormone replacement therapy (e.g., transgender healthcare) and hormone treatments (e.g., IVF).
4. Disorders or conditions which lead to a disruption in hormone level (e.g., Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
5. Mood, cognition, or other changes/symptoms associated with hormonal fluctuations.
This topic aims to investigate the influence of hormonal fluctuations on cortical and/or retinal structure and function. This research will lead to a more thorough understanding of how reproductive hormones interact with these neural systems and risk susceptibility to, for example, menstrual symptoms and neurodegenerative conditions.
In addition, there are certain populations who experience notable changes in reproductive hormonal levels, but in whom the interaction with retinal and brain health and functioning remains woefully under researched (e.g., people with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or on Hormone Replacement Therapy). Improved understanding of the effects of these hormonal fluctuations would improve standards of care in these populations and provide deeper knowledge of the mechanistic effect of these hormones.
There are several areas of interest to this topic, which can be interrogated using various retinal and/or brain imaging techniques (e.g., Optical coherence tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) in either original research, meta-analysis, or literature review. These include, but are not limited to:
1. Sex differences, particularly as related to hormone differences.
2. Changes across a menstrual cycle and the reproductive lifespan (e.g., puberty, pregnancy, fertility treatment, menopause).
3. Hormone replacement therapy (e.g., transgender healthcare) and hormone treatments (e.g., IVF).
4. Disorders or conditions which lead to a disruption in hormone level (e.g., Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
5. Mood, cognition, or other changes/symptoms associated with hormonal fluctuations.
Keywords: hormones, oestrogen, testosterone, progesterone, cerebral, retinal, structure, function, vascular
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