Ovarian steroids, like estrogen and progesterone, affect brain activity, including energy use and serotonin signaling, especially during changes in the female reproductive cycle or menopause. Studies using brain imaging techniques suggest these hormones can influence brain metabolism and might have potential roles in brain protection and inflammation, but more research is needed to fully understand their impact.

The concepts set and setting have been thought to be crucial to outcomes from psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for 50 years, but they have faced several methodological challenges. Here we highlight an underappreciated challenge: that they have been vaguely defined in a way that limits research advances and clinical guidance. After outlining the problem, we defend and … Read more The post Ovarian steroids, like estrogen and progesterone, affect brain activity, including energy use and serotonin