Evidence check: BDNF in the context of menopause

BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) is a protein crucial for neuronal survival and plasticity. During menopause, declining estrogen may influence BDNF expression – some studies report lower BDNF levels in menopausal women, while others show no clear association. However, the evidence is mostly mechanistic or from small observational studies; there are no validated clinical reference ranges for blood BDNF. Therefore, a direct BDNF test in the menopause context is not an established diagnostic tool. Its predictive value is limited because BDNF is also modulated by exercise, diet, and stress. Instead of an isolated BDNF test, a comprehensive hormonal and risk assessment combined with lifestyle optimization is more evidence-based. Caveat: No randomized controlled trials demonstrate that measuring BDNF improves clinical outcomes in menopause.