The Neurology of Menopause

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Menopause is a neuroendocrine process with important implications for neurological health. This review examines the complex, multidirectional relationships between menopause and major central nervous system conditions, including stroke, migraine, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Menopause may mark an inflection point for vascular injury, neurodegeneration, and disability accumulation in several neurological conditions. Perimenopausal hormonal fluctuations may exacerbate migraines and seizures in susceptible women. Research increasingly supports the critical window hypothesis for estrogen therapy and highlights the importance of distinguishing reproductive and chronological aging when interpreting neurologic trajectories. Menopause represents an important transition for many conditions. Hormone therapy has heterogenous effects with cognitive benefit in premature ovarian insufficiency, harm related to stroke risk in older women, and greater uncertainty in other conditions. Therefore, individualized risk-benefit assessment is essential. Research gaps remain significant, and menopause should be a priority area for neurologic research.