Could estrogens, key hormones in the menstrual cycle, explain why some women tend to consume more alcohol? A recent study explores this intriguing link, revealing unexpected brain mechanisms.
Researchers found that high estrogen levels increased the activity of certain neurons in female mice, causing them to drink more alcohol. This increased neuronal activity, observed in a region of the brain called bed core of the stria terminalis (BNST), would be directly linked to excessive consumption, especially in the 30 minutes following the first take.
The study, published in Nature Communicationsshows that estrogens act quickly by binder to receptors surface neurons. This interaction module communication between cells, promoting a behavior of “binge drinking” (excessive alcohol consumption over a short period). This phenomenon is particularly marked during hormonal peaks of menstrual cycle.
Scientists have also identified a potential treatment: inhibiting the enzyme responsible for estrogen synthesis. This treatment, already used against certain cancers, could reduce excessive alcohol consumption in women during periods of high hormonal activity.
This research highlights a major gender difference in alcohol-related behaviors. While most studies focus on men, these results highlight the importance of better understanding women’s specificities, particularly in the face of increased health risks.
The consequences of excessive alcohol consumption are serious, ranging from neurological disorders to cardiovascular diseases. In France, alcohol is responsible for 41,000 deaths per year, a figure which highlights the urgency of finding solutions adapted to each profile.
By exploring this hormonal mechanism, researchers are paving the way for new therapeutic approaches. Combined with neural modulators, this treatment could offer a targeted solution for alcohol-related disorders, particularly in women.
This study marks a significant advance in the understanding of women’s behavior towards alcohol. She also recalls the importance of continuing research to adapt treatments to the specificities of each individual.
How do hormones influence behavior?
Hormones, like estrogen, act as chemical messengers in the body, regulating many physiological and behavioral processes. They interact with specific receptors to influence cellular activity.
In the brain, hormones can modify the excitability of neurons, thereby affecting functions such as mood, motivation or decision-making. For example, estrogen increases activity in certain areas of the brain, which may explain behaviors like excessive alcohol consumption.
These effects can be rapid, via receptors on the surface of cells, or slower, by modifying gene expression. This duality allows hormones to act on both immediate reactions and lasting changes.
Understanding these mechanisms is essential for developing targeted treatments, particularly for disorders related to mood, stress or addiction, taking into account hormonal differences between individuals.
