Women's Journal — Health, Beauty, Fitness & Lifestyle
Pregnancy Brain Research Links Estrogen to Memory Changes
A new study in Science Bulletin links high estrogen during pregnancy with task-specific memory changes and identifies a hypothalamus-to-hippocampus circuit that altered memory in mice. Researchers also tested 70 women. The findings add biological evidence to pregnancy brain research while leaving an important question open: whether the same circuit operates in humans. Key Takeaways A study identified a neural pathway that may help explain some pregnancy-related memory changes. In mice, sustained high estrogen altered activity in a circuit linking the lateral hypothalamus with the hippocampus and produced memory impairment. Turning off the identified pathway protected mice from estrogen-related memory problems, while activating it impaired memory even without elevated estrogen. Researchers also assessed 70 women and found task-specific memory changes during late pregnancy that were associated with circulating estrogen levels. The human study did not directly test the neural circuit demonstrated in mice, so it does not establish the same causal mechanism in pregnant women. Pregnancy Brain Research Identifies a Specific Neural Pathway Researchers have identified a possible biological pathway behind some of the memory changes commonly described as “pregnancy brain” or “momnesia.” The study, published online August 25 in Science Bulletin, involved researchers affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine, Shandong
Maven Clinic Puts Women’s Health on the Corporate Agenda
For Maven Clinic, women’s health is moving deeper into employer-benefit strategy. The company will hold its inaugural Onward summit Sept. 30 in New York City as employers expand fertility, maternity and menopause support while facing rising costs and uneven employee confidence. The event puts that tension at the center of the discussion. Key Takeaways Maven Clinic will hold its inaugural Onward summit on Sept. 30, 2026, in New York City, bringing together benefits leaders, health-plan executives, clinicians and healthcare companies. Maven’s 2026 survey found employers reported a 39% average increase in women’s and family health benefit offerings, while employee ratings of feeling “very well” supported declined by an average of 10%. Business Group on Health says 58% of surveyed employers will expand women’s preventive care in 2026, while 58% will provide menopause support programs. Mercer projects employer health benefit costs per employee will rise 6.7% in 2026, the highest increase in 15 years. The New York-based company announced Onward on Aug. 17, with the first summit scheduled for Sept. 30 in New York City. The event is set to include employer representatives from Bank of America and Pinterest, along with clinicians, Maven executives and healthcare companies including Mirvie, Color
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Women Entrepreneurs Receive $20,000 in New Orleans Awards
Two women entrepreneurs received a combined $20,000 through Curate’s inaugural New Orleans pitch competitions. Alicia Williams received $15,000 for Selah, while Aisha Abbasova earned $5,000 for ABBASAID. The three-day conference brought more than 200 women together for sessions covering entrepreneurship, leadership, technology, fundraising and professional development. Key Takeaways Alicia Williams, founder of Selah, received the $15,000 Curate Women’s Pitch Competition award. Selah is developing an app focused on helping women understand and manage hormonal health. Aisha Abbasova, founder of ABBASAID, received $5,000 through the Student Pitch Competition. ABBASAID is developing an AI-powered seeing-eye cane for people with visual impairments. Curate’s first New Orleans conference attracted more than 200 women and included sessions on entrepreneurship, AI, fundraising, grants and leadership. Curate Awards $15,000 to Selah Founder Alicia Williams Alicia Williams, founder of Selah, received $15,000 through Curate’s Women’s Pitch Competition during the organization’s first New Orleans conference. The award was the larger of the two pitch prizes presented during the event. Selah is developing an app focused on helping women understand and manage hormonal health. Williams’ business was selected for the Curate Women’s Pitch Competition, which formed part of the three-day conference in New Orleans. The award placed women’s health technology
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