The neural system is considered fast and the hormonal is fairly slow in comparison. Reactions at a neural level happen in milliseconds. By contrast, the way hormones are secreted and travel through the bloodstream make them slow-acting once they bind with the appropriate receptors.

The endocrine and nervous systems are similar in that both involve the transmission of a message that is triggered by a stimulus and produces a response. But because nerve impulses can travel much faster than blood-borne substances, nervous system responses are more rapid.

Responses to nervous system stimulation are typically quick but short lived. The endocrine system responds to stimulation by secreting hormones into the circulatory system that travel to the target tissue. Responses to endocrine system stimulation are typically slow but long lasting.

In the brain, hormones alter the production of gene products that participate in synaptic neurotransmission as well as affect the structure of brain cells. As a result, the circuitry of the brain and its capacity for neurotransmission are changed over a course of hours to days.

Estrogen signaling affects aggressive interactions, as well as several behaviors that are closely linked with aggression, including sexual behavior, communication, and learning and memory.

The findings suggest that treatment of MFs with estrogens and anti-androgens decreases the male brain size towards female proportions, whereas treatment of FMs with androgens (not substantially affecting circulating estrogen levels) increases the female brain size towards male proportions.

OESTROGEN AS A NEUROPROTECTANT. Oestrogens affect the development and aging of brain regions that are crucial to higher cognitive functions (like memory) and are implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. For example, oestrogens increase synaptic and dendritic spine density in the hippocampus …

The hormone estrogen can sharpen mental performance, and now scientists think they know why. Estrogen may boost the number of connections between brain cells, improving communication in the brain.

First, exogenous estrogen failed to influence scores on the IQ performance subscales that mainly measure visual/spatial abilities, and second, the estrogenic enhancement of memory did not endure after the discontinuation of treatment.

Brain-Boosting Hormone Improves Cognitive Function : Shots – Health News Scientists have found that a hormone associated with long life also seems to make people smarter. The gene strengthens the connections between brain cells, a process that’s essential for learning.

For example, estrogen increases the concentration of an enzyme needed to synthesize acetylcholine, a brain chemical that’s critical for memory. Estrogen also enhances communication between neurons in the hippocampus, an area of the brain that is important for verbal memory.

Herbal supplements

• Black cohosh. Black cohosh is a traditional Native American herb that has historically been used to treat a variety of conditions, including menopause and menstrual issues.
• Chasteberry.
• Evening primrose oil.
• Red clover.
• Dong quai.