Changes in neural excitability across the menstrual cycle via GABAergic signaling regulation by ovarian hormones

: Ovarian hormones change neural excitability across the menstrual cycle via regulation of γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA) signaling. Estrogen's trophic properties can be observed in hippocampal dendritic spine formation across a single estrus cycle in adult female experimental animals. Progesterone also changes the neuronal structure at the GABA receptor level. Estrogen and progesterone have opposite effects on neural excitability. Estrogen augments N-methyl-D-aspartate-mediated glutamate receptor activity via reduction of GABA production, while progesterone enhances GABA neurotransmission and inhibits neural excitement. The kinetics of estrogen and progesterone continue changing throughout the menstrual cycle, and never stay in a fixed state. The fluctuation in ovarian hormones across the menstrual cycle alters neural activity, and therefore might affect women's behavior and mental phenomena complexly.