One of the most consistent findings I see amongst MdDS patients is a difficulty metabolizing their estrogen, which can lead to a build up of oxidative estrogens in their body. Although estrogen is known to have a wide range of supportive effects on brain and our neuroplasticity function, too much estrogen can first-pass the liver and then become very oxidative in our bodies, leading to somewhat erratic brain function. It is also important to note that women will experience a peak in estrogen twice a month during their menstrual cycle. This spike in estrogen is then followed by a rapid drop in estrogen just before ovulation and before menstruation. This is often when I see MdDS patients experience an exacerbation in their symptoms. It is also a time when I see female patients develop MdDS. According to this study Frontiers in Neurology, “findings suggest that estrogen augments excitatory synaptic transmission by increasing the release of the neurotransmitter glutamate”. The key here is that glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and is responsible for promoting neuronal activity. It plays a crucial role in various cognitive processes and synaptic plasticity. And with respect to MdDS, this could be too much of a good thing! Higher levels of glutamate can create an imbalance of inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitters to excitatory (stimulating and hyperactive) neurotransmitters, thus allowing our brains to “short circuit” so- to- speak. Although it often saves us in times of distress, we don’t want our brains in “super charge” mode on an ongoing, chronic basis. This chronic imbalance can tip the scales in favor of faulty brain activity and could possibly be linked to the onset of MdDS.
If you are interested in learning more about estrogen and its effects on MdDS, please feel free to reach out to us. We would be honored to help you. Our office number is 303-447-2225 or you can schedule a complimentary, 10 minute video call with us through our scheduling app on our website.Click Here to Schedule
Warmly,
Ginger Wolfe DC, DABCI
Wolfe Functional Medicine.