cortical excitability

Researchers have previously found that sex hormones produced by the ovaries can influence how easily individual brain cells can be excited. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) functions by exciting brain cells. Does this mean researchers need to account for fluctuating sex hormone levels when people are undergoing rTMS treatments?

This study shows that hormone changes seem to alter cortical excitability. More specifically, when estrogen levels are high, a progressive increase in brain excitability can occur. This suggests that females enrolled in repeated session rTMS treatments or research should be tested during the same phase of their menstrual cycle to ensure consistent and reliable results.