Hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle and menopause produce well known effects. Mood swings, irritability, crying spells, anger and sleep problems are the most common.
What does this have to do with the brain? Everything. Hormones act through and in conjunction with the brain. The problem is most often not hormone levels – although this can be a problem in some cases – but the way the brain is reacting to shifting levels. Some brains are able to take it in stride, others over-react. This may depend on someone’s history, genetics, lifestyle factors and anything else that may affect the brain’s organization and reactivity.
Neurofeedback is able to calm and modulate the brain’s reaction to changes in hormone levels. Inn most cases this will decrease or even eliminate many of the symptoms. For PMS, results are often rapid and dramatic. For menopause, it can take a while to improve stability, but with patience, it can be done..
