Pauline Maki

Pauline Maki. Photo: Roberta Dupuis-Devlin/UIC Photo Services (click on image for larger file size)

Research conducted by Pauline Maki confirms that the mental ‘fog’ of menopause is real and not just in a woman’s head.

Hot flashes and poor sleep are well documented physical complaints during menopause, but Maki’s work focuses on the effects of sex hormones and phytoestrogens on cognition, brain function, and psychological well being in women of all ages. Her brain imaging research has led to novel insights into the neural targets of hormone therapy in postmenopausal women.

Her research may eventually be used to help doctors individualize hormone therapy for aging women.

Subject areas

• menopause
• women’s mental health
• sex hormones
• cognitive function