Neuroendocrine Nutrition in Menopause: Integration of Neuroendocrine Mechanisms and Nutritional Factors During the Menopausal Transition

The menopausal transition involves a complex neuroendocrine reorganization characterized not only by a decline in ovarian function but also by changes in the communication among the central nervous system, hormonal axes, metabolic pathways, and immune mechanisms. In this context, the present study aimed to critically examine the scientific literature on the relationships between nutritional factors and the neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in the menopausal transition, with the goal of identifying the main mechanisms described, their associated nutritional factors, and the nature and consistency of these relationships. The analysis revealed that alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling, and the activity of kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin (KNDy) neurons are supported by consistent physiological evidence in the context of menopause. Associations were also identified between hormonal status and energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, body composition, the gut microbiota, and inflammatory processes. However, evidence directly linking nutritional factors to the modulation of these mechanisms varies in strength and consistency. The available literature includes observational studies, reviews, and experimental investigations, many of which were not conducted specifically in women undergoing the menopausal transition. Therefore, although there is a scientific basis for an integrated examination of nutrition, metabolism, and neuroendocrine regulation, physiological plausibility should not be interpreted as evidence of the clinical efficacy of specific nutritional interventions. In conclusion, Neuroendocrine Nutrition may currently be understood as an emerging integrative framework that brings together knowledge from nutrition, neuroscience, endocrinology, metabolism, and immunology, provided that the limitations of the available evidence are carefully acknowledged. Further clinical studies and nutritional intervention trials specifically targeting perimenopausal and postmenopausal women are needed to more precisely establish the potential for nutritional modulation of menopause-related neuroendocrine mechanisms.