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We don’t have hormones, hormones have us.

We don’t have hormones, hormones have us.

We don’t have hormones, hormones have us.

During pregnancy, the maternal body undergoes profound, coordinated physiological adaptations to support the developing fetus, including major shifts in immune regulation and dramatic changes in the vascular system. Accompanying these peripheral adaptations, recent longitudinal studies in humans point to significant remodeling of the nervous system, occurring in lockstep with increases in gonadal hormone production. To understand the neural adaptations tied to pregnancy and the postpartum period, a holistic approach is essential—one that accounts for changes across multiple peripheral systems. In this review, we consider the impact of the endocrine, cardiovascular, microbiome, and immune systems on the maternal brain. By adopting this integrative approach, we aim to better understand the biological pathways that shape the maternal brain during normative pregnancies and those marked by adverse events.

Addressing this gap will require collecting widespread data on pregnancy, menopause and other life events women experience—and could bring us closer to the “holy grail” of linking brain and behavior.

Podcast Episode · Women's Health Interrupted with Dr. Liisa Galea · 2025-10-15 · 51m

Replaying history with less NIH funding shows widespread impacts on drug-linked research

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Growing evidence suggests that reduced cerebral blood flow contributes to cognitive decline in ageing and dementia. Attwell and colleagues discuss the underlying mechanisms and functional consequences...