As I worked on my series on hormones and female concussions, I collected many references. On this page, I’ll share what I think are some of the best. They’re sorted by life phase, and I’ll add more continually as I roll out more information. The list here isn’t everything yet. Definitely come back periodically and see new additions. You could use these for your own research or to find information to ask your physician.
Reference and Overview Materials
Review these at any time for basic information about the menstrual cycles, the hormones involved, and terminology you’ll see in additional references.
Menstrual Cycle Hormones at a Glance
Female Concussions and Hormones: Table of Contents
Puberty and Mid-Adolescence
Ages: 11 – 14 (puberty)
Mid-adolescence: through high school
Menstrual Cycles: Puberty and Mid-Adolescence
- This is my post for this age group. It highlights several important points and provides some basic information about cycles and hormones during this life phase.
Menstruation in Girls and Adolescents: Using the Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign Pediatrics
- This is a very important reference, IMO. I encourage all parents of girls that play sports (in particular) to take a few minutes to read this. Keep it handy! Key points, I think, are the age of menarche and its effect on ovulation in the future.
Concussion Among Female Middle-School Soccer Players
- This is an important study for a number of reasons. It’s about the only study I’ve seen for females in this age group. It was conducted over four years, had a high participation rate, and discovered some important information. This is a landmark study, IMO. I think it needs to be shared with every soccer coach and parent. I’m going to do my best to get it out there. Bookmark this one!
Sexual Dimorphism of Brain Developmental Trajectories During Childhood and Adolescence
- Wow. This is an amazing read and reference. You really should look at it. It shows rates of gray matter and white matter development in males and females during puberty, as well as overall brain development. Fascinating. There is a difference. One quote: “Robust sex differences in developmental trajectories were noted for nearly all structures with peak gray matter volumes generally occurring earlier for females.” Gray matter issues have recently been noted as a problem with concussion.
Late Adolescent and Childbearing Years
Ages: 20-35
Menstrual Cycles: Late Adolescent and Childbearing Years
- This is my post for this age group. It highlights several important points and provides some basic information about cycles and hormones during this life phase.
Menstrual Phase as Predictor of Outcome After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Women
- Major, major study. As I soon as I saw this, I recognized the importance of it. I had been following hormones and female concussion since 2012 and knew that the menstrual cycle is key. This study shows how progesterone levels can impact concussion recovery and hones in on the luteal phase. I’ve provided more detail in my post for this age group and life phase. This is a landmark study, IMO. Bookmark it. Refer to it. This is a big one of great significance.
Perimenopause
Ages: 40-55 (main), but can start in the 30s and last until the late 50s or even the 60s
Menstrual Cycles: Perimenopause
- This is my post. This life phase is unique and very interesting. It can overlap with childbearing years. There are recreational aspects to it (some main recreational sports have highest participation in the 40-44 age group). Hormone levels fluctuate. There can be three months or so between periods, which could also indicate concussion recovery issues. That begs the question: are missed periods due to normal perimenopause, or are endocrine-related concussion effects a cause? Very interesting life phase with regard to concussion. Take a look!
Postmenopause
Ages: between 45 and 55 (generally). Maybe to age 60.
Menstrual Cycles and Hormones: Postmenopause
- This is my post, which provides an overview for this age group. Menopause occurs when ovulation stops. So there are no further menstrual cycles. However, hormones are important. Cognitive issues come into play. There’s a “critical window” concern about when to use estrogen for HRT. There are a number of aspects related to hormones. It’s an important phase, so take a look!
