Posted on 02/02/2007 3:56:38 PM PST by broncoholic
BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Fluctuations in hormones during women's menstrual cycles affect how their brains respond to rewards, the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., said.
An imaging study by the National Institute of Mental Health showed while women were winning rewards, their circuitry was more active if they were in a menstrual phase preceding ovulation and dominated by estrogen, compared to a phase when estrogen and progesterone are present, researchers said.
"These first pictures of sex hormones influencing reward-evoked brain activity in humans may provide insights into menstrual-related mood disorders, women's higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders, and their later onset and less severe course in schizophrenia," said Karen Berman, chief of the NIMH Section on Integrative Neuroimaging.
"The study may also shed light on why women are more vulnerable to addictive drugs during the pre-ovulation phase of the cycle."
Researchers scanned men's and women's brains while they were using simulated slot machines.
PING
I'm going to need a cookie from someone before I respond. 8~)
chocolate, no doubt?
lol. I prefer the flavor of my ancestors -- butterscotch. 8~)
Dairy Queen used to have good butterscotch. That was 50+ years ago.
And a short half block or so walk on Main St from grandma's house and 10 cent ice cream cones.
Dairy Queen is still there . . . I should try it again sometime.
BTW, thanks for your prayers, Chest started down hill again tonight. Was improving steadily. Sigh.
No she doesn't.
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