Oestrogen: brain ageing, cognition and neuropsychiatric disorder.

The effects of oestrogen on brain ageing, cognition and neuropsychiatric disorder are an important public health issue, which, despite intensive research, has yet to be resolved. Evidence from basic science demonstrates that oestrogen has multiple protective effects on neurons and neurotransmitter systems. However, the evidence for oestrogen having a clinical role in the treatment and prevention of neuropsychiatric disorders is not well established. Here we review research into the effects of oestrogen on brain maturation and function and discuss the role for oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT) as a therapeutic tool.