Let's Talk About Women

Jaksot

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  Let's Talk About the Female Brain in Midlife 24.09.2026 53min

  What happens to the female brain during midlife? In this episode, we welcome Associate Professor Genevieve Steiner-Lim, a cognitive neuroscientist and researcher in translational neuroscience, to talk about brain aging, the menopausal transition, and females long-term brain health. We explore whether male and female brains age differently, what females experience during the menopausal transition, and what qualitative research from Australia can teach us about the lived experience of menopause. We also compare perspectives on menopause research and healthcare in Australia and Germany, and discuss why females are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Finally, Genevieve takes us into her latest research, including the MenoStim Trial investigating non-invasive brain stimulation and the MenoCog Trial exploring whether creatine could support cognition, mood, and brain health during and after the menopausal transition. From understanding the female brain in midlife and aging to developing new preventive approaches — join us for this engaging discussion on the future direction of research!If you would like to get in touch with Genevieve, you can find her & her group here: https://gensteiner.com/... or reach her at: [email protected]:00:27: Introduction to our guest Assoc. Prof. Genevieve Steiner-Lim and her field of research01:40: Brain aging03:01: Do male and female brains age differently?05:13: The menopausal transition: beyond reproductive health10:22: Qualitative study on the lived experience of the menopausal transition in Australia18:13: Australia vs. Germany: differences in menopausal healthcare and research23:22: Current state of Alzheimer's disease research in females30:12: MenoStim Trial: can non-invasive brain stimulation improve thinking, memory and mood during menopause?35:38: MenoCog Trial: can creatine support brain health and mood in postmenopausal women with an elevated risk of dementia?45:05: Gaps and future directions in research and clinical translation49:16: What could the future for women's brain health look like?52:10: Wrap up and thank youOutline & questions: Franziska WeinmarSound recording & Editing: Franziska Weinmar with the equipment of the IRTG2804Do you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk About Circadian Rhythms 25.06.2026 59min

  Light does much more than help us see - it directly influences our brain, hormones, sleep, and overall health. In this episode, we welcome PhD researcher Carolina Guidolin, who enlightens us about the world of circadian neuroscience and how light regulates our internal clock. Together we discuss why people respond differently to light exposure, how sex and hormones may shape these responses, and why understanding circadian biology may open important new perspectives for women’s health. Beyond the lab, Carolina also shares why science communication and her podcast have become an essential part of her work as a scientist.Interested in more science communication on circadian neuroscience? Listen in to Carolina's podcast "Light O'Clock": https://www.kyb.tuebingen.mpg.de/lightoclockIf you would like to get in touch with Carolina, you can find her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinaguidolin/... her lab here: https://www.tscnlab.org/... or reach her at: [email protected]:00:26 Introduction to our guest Carolina Guidolin02:04 What are circadian rhythms?04:41 Relevance of circadian rhythms for mental health06:03 Non-visual effects of light09:05 What is melatonin and what role does it play?13:07 Melatonin suppression and its effects on brain and body18:06 What do we know about individual differences in melatonin suppression?22:30 Sex differences & hormones in melatonin suppression32:14 Introduction to Carolina’s project on how sex, the menstrual cycle, and oral contraception shape individual differences40:46 What are potential implications for women’s mental health?44:39 Carolina’s podcast Light O’Clock – Motivation and key takeaways from science communication50:22 Summary51:21 Next steps in circadian neuroscience research55:05 How close are we to translating these findings into clinical applications?58:23 Closing remarks Outline & questions: Franziska WeinmarSound recording & Editing: Franziska Weinmar with the equipment of the IRTG2804Do you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk About Sex/Gender in Mental Health Research and Care 28.05.2026 28min

  How are sex and gender differences reflected in mental health research and care - from prevalence and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment?In this episode, Franziska talks to Andreas Fallgatter, Professor and Medical Director at the University Hospital Tübingen and spokesperson of the Tübingen site of the German Center for Mental Health (DZPG). Together, they talk about differences in prevalence and symptoms of mental health disorders between women and men, and discuss how well these differences are currently reflected in clinical practice. Prof. Fallgatter shares insights from both research and patient care, highlighting where psychiatry has made progress - and where important gaps remain. Looking ahead, Prof. Fallgatter outlines how we can better translate research into practice and what is needed to move toward more personalized and sex- and gender-sensitive approaches in psychiatry.Join us for a conversation at the intersection of neuroscience, clinical practice, and the future of mental health care.If you would like to get in touch with Prof. Fallgatter, you can find him here: https://www.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/de/das-klinikum/mitarbeiter/profil/1572... or reach him at: [email protected]:00:26: Introduction of our guest Prof. Dr. Andreas Fallgatter01:53: Importance of sex/gender in mental health research & practice03:34: Prevalence differences in mental health disorders04:24: Examples of symptom differences in women vs. men across mental health disorders05:42: Risks of not recognizing sex/gender differences06:56: How the field has dealt with sex/gender differences in the past07:45: Has understanding of sex/gender influences in mental health changed?10:56: To what extent is sex/gender considered in diagnoses and treatment? 15:22: Overview of current projects on women’s mental health disorders18:19: The German Center for Mental Health (DZPG): Aims and goals21:58: Sex/gender sensitive approaches in the German Center for Mental Health22:54: Summary & key takeaways24:01: Research gaps and future directions in sex/gender differences in mental health27:32: Thank you and wrap up Outline & questions: Franziska WeinmarSound recording & Editing: Franziska Weinmar with the equipment of the IRTG2804Do you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk About Research on Moral Decision-Making 23.04.2026 1t 5min

  How do we decide what is right or wrong? And how are these decisions shaped?In this episode, Franziska speaks with Aiste Ambrase, doctoral researcher in the research group Women’s Mental Health and Brain Function at the University of Tübingen, about the fascinating and complex world of moral decision-making.Bringing together moral philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience, Aiste explores how people make difficult value-based choices, why classic moral dilemmas only tell part of the story, and why research in this field faces major methodological challenges. We talk about what moral trade-offs can reveal about human behavior, why the idea of a simple “moral brain” is far more complicated than it sounds, and what current neuroscience can actually tell us. The episode also turns to an important and often neglected question: Whether neurotransmitter systems, sex differences and hormones may play a role in how we make difficult moral choices.This conversation is an invitation to think more deeply about morality, decision-making, and the scientific challenges of studying both.If you would like to get in touch with Aiste, you can find her here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiste-ambrase/https://www.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/de/das-klinikum/mitarbeiter/profil/3094... or reach out to: [email protected]:00:26 Introduction of our guest Aiste Ambrase01:46 Background on moral decision-making06:50 Moral interest theories08:10 Prohibitive norms vs. prescriptive norms10:15 Moral trade-offs and examples in everyday life13:50 Morality research and the "Trolley dilemma"22:50 Cognitive biases and other processes24:20 Moral injury: Influence of the behavioral gap on mental health25:50 The Oxford Utilitarianism Scale30:50 Challenges of neuroscience research on moral decision-making33:00 Morality in the brain?36:34 Different neuroimaging approaches on moral decision-making47:20 Neural networks of moral decision-making49:50 Sex differences in moral decision-making?51:20 Influence of hormones and neurotransmitters on moral decision-making57:10 Moral decision-making across the female lifespan01:01:04 What should future research on moral decision-making look like?01:04:50 Thank you and wrap-upOutline & questions: Franziska WeinmarSound recording & Editing: Franziska Weinmar with the equipment of the IRTG2804Do you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk With Young Researchers: Iris Hamers 26.02.2026 51min

  Let’s Talk WITH Young Researchers: Welcome to our podcast sideline, in which we give the word to young researchers in the field of women’s mental health!In this episode, meet Iris Hamers, PhD researcher at the University Medical Center Groningen. In her PhD, Iris investigates sex differences in mental health disorders and treatment, with a particular focus on schizophrenia and psychosis, and an expanding interest to other mental health disorders. Her work sits at the intersection of gonadal hormones, pharmacokinetics, and clinical neuroscience, aiming to better understand how biological sex influences symptom prevalence and treatment response.Iris’ PhD combines research within a randomized controlled trial on early discontinuation of antipsychotics and large-scale population research on women’s mental health across the lifespan, using nationwide registry data from the Netherlands. In this episode, we discuss key lifespan patterns in mental healthcare, sex-specific vulnerabilities, and what these findings may mean for women’s mental health research and clinical practice.Beyond her scientific work, Iris reflects on her PhD experience and the importance of supportive research communities in women’s mental health. She also shares insights into co-founding the Sex and Gender in Health Research Roundtable, an initiative that has grown into community of young researchers.Wrapping up, Iris answers our renowned closing section — the “Three Burning Questions”:Who is your science crush?What did you not know or expect before starting a PhD?What do you enjoy most about your work as a PhD researcher?Are you interested in the Sex and Gender in Health Research Roundtable?Find them on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sex-and-gender-in-health-research-roundtable/... and sign-up here: https://forms.gle/pLqosyHTgeHsqkUbA  Do you want to get in touch with Iris? Reach out to: [email protected]... or find her here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/i-hamers/https://umcgresearch.org/w/i-m-h-hamersHere you can learn more about the clinical trail on the early-discontinuation of antipsychotics: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hamlett-ophelia-consortium/... as well as first results we discussed: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2839607  Sound recording: Franziska WeinmarEditing: Franziska WeinmarDo you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk About Sex & Gender in Sleep 22.01.2026 52min

  Sleep is something we all need - but do women and men actually sleep differently? And what happens when we move beyond biological sex to consider gender roles and identity?In this episode we welcome Dr. Lieve van Egmond, postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University of Tübingen. Lieve’s work explores how sleep, mental well-being and hormones interact, with a special focus on transgender individuals.From the basics of why sleep is essential for mental health, to state-of-the-art research on sex differences, hormonal transitions, and gender diversity, this conversation takes you from foundational science to the future of inclusive sleep research. We discuss why “sex” alone is not enough to understand sleep and mental health, where current research still falls short, and how new studies are opening up perspectives that have long been overlooked. Along the way, Lieve also shares, what frustrates her about the current state of the field, what motivates her as a scientist, and why science communication is key to improving both healthcare and quality of life of all individuals. If you would like to get in touch with Lieve, you can find her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ltvanegmond/https://www.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/de/das-klinikum/mitarbeiter/profil/5375... or reach out to: [email protected]:00:26: Introduction to our guest Dr. Lieve van Egmond02:09: Why do we need sleep?03:41: How do sleep and mental health influence each other?08:52: Differences between "sex" and "gender"14:30: Do females and males sleep differently?18:07: The role of female hormonal transition periods in sleep21:51: The gap in research on sex differences and sleep25:08: Why "sex" alone is not enough in sleep research27:17: Sleep and mental health in transgender individuals38:55: Where is future research on sleep, sex & gender heading?42:48: Lieve's frustration and motivation in her field of research47:49: The importance of science communication50:45: Closing and take-home messagesOutline & questions: Franziska WeinmarSound recording & Editing: Franziska Weinmar with the equipment of the IRTG2804Do you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk With Young Researchers: Livia Ruehr 18.12.2025 57min

  Let's Talk WITH Young Researchers: Welcome to our podcast sideline, in which we give the word to young researchers in the field of women's mental health!In this episode, meet Livia Ruehr, PhD researcher in the Cognitive Neuroendocrinology Group at the Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig, who is supervised by Prof. Dr. Julia Sacher. In her research, Livia focuses on understanding how hormonal fluctuations influence the brain across female transition phases - for example, the menstrual cycle - where she investigates both structural and functional connectivity changes.From conducting a systematic review to diving into complex longitudinal analyses on functional connectivity across the menstrual cycle, this episode is packed with research at the frontier of our field. Beyond her scientific work, Livia also opens up about her PhD experience, including the insecurities she faced at the beginning and how her mindset evolved throughout the journey. As a member of the Max Planck School of Cognition, Livia discusses the benefits of a structured PhD program and the value of being part of a diverse cohort of fellow PhD students. Wrapping up, Livia answers our renowned closing section - the “Three Burning Questions.":Who is your science crush? What did you not know/expect before starting a PhD? What do you enjoy most about your work as a PhD researcher? Do you want to get in touch with Livia? Reach out to: [email protected]... or find her here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/liviaruehr/https://www.cbs.mpg.de/mitarbeitende/ruehrhttps://cognition.maxplanckschools.org/doktoranden/livia-ruehrSound recording: Franziska WeinmarEditing: Franziska WeinmarDo you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk About Fetal Development 20.11.2025 48min

  What if we could peek into the developing brain before birth? In this episode we welcome Prof. Hubert Preissl, head of the research group Metabolic Neuroimaging at the University of Tübingen, who talks about the fascinating science of fetal brain development. Using fetal magnetoencephalography (fMEG) - with one of two systems worldwide right in Tübingen - researchers can measure fetal brain activity and uncover how a mother’s metabolic health and stress influence fetal development. Besides talking about early recordings of sex differences in brain development, we consider clinical implications and how insights into fetal brain activity may transform our understanding of mental health across the lifespan. From the origins of brain function to lifelong (mental) health, this conversation will change how you think about the very beginning of life. If you would like to get in touch with Hubert, you can find him here: https://preissl-lab.net/de/people/prof-dr-hubert-preissl/... or reach him at: [email protected]:00:26: Introduction of our guest Prof. Hubert Preissl and his field of research01:49: When does the fetal brain start to develop?02:37: How do scientists study fetal brain activity?06:54: How does fetal magnetoencephalography work & what are challenges?14:05: The concept of developmental origins of health & disease20:20: Maternal metabolic health & the influence on fetal brain activity26:58: Maternal psychological stress & the influence on fetal brain activity29:40: Longterm consequences of metabolic & psychological health on cognitive & emotional development in offspring32:57: Sex differences in fetal brain development38:01: Summary38:58: What are clinical implications for maternal health interventions?43:32: How might our understanding of the fetal brain impact our perspective on mental health across the lifespan?45:50: Call for applications!46:50: Closing remarksOutline & questions: Franziska WeinmarSound recording & Editing: Franziska Weinmar with the equipment of the IRTG2804Do you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk With Young Researchers: Romina Garcia de leon 16.10.2025 45min

  Let's Talk WITH Young Researchers: our podcast sideline in which we give the word to young researchers in the field of women's mental health!In this episode, meet Romina Garcia de leon, PhD researcher at the Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Toronto and part of the Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroendocrinology at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, where she works under the supervision of the one-and-only Dr. Liisa Galea.We discuss Romina's preclinical research on the heterogeneity of peripartum depression and the role hormones and immune signaling play - including in treatment. Romina also speaks openly about the challenges of pursuing a PhD, but also about what she loves about it. At the end of the podcast, Romina answers our renowned "3 burning questions": Who is your science crush? What did you not know/expect before starting a PhD? What do you enjoy most about your work as a PhD researcher? Do you want to get in touch with Romina? Reach out to: [email protected]... or find her here:https://www.galealab.com/rominagarciahttps://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/profile/romina-garcia-de-leon/https://www.linkedin.com/in/romina-garcia-de-leon-7b2976149/Sound recording: Franziska WeinmarEditing: Franziska WeinmarDo you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk About Metabolism 17.07.2025 51min

  How are metabolism, cognition, mood, and overall health connected - and do these interactions differ between women and men across the lifespan?In this episode, Franziska talks to Prof. Manfred Hallschmid from the University of Tübingen, where he researches the links between brain function, metabolic processes, and sleep. Manfred explains how our brain and body communicate when it comes to food intake and mental well-being - and how these processes shift during major hormonal transition phases such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. What role do sex hormones play in these changes?In the outlook, Manfred shares the key questions he believes the field needs to tackle next and what’s the one thing he wishes more people understood about metabolism and well-being. The topic of metabolism has never been this fascinating - join us as Manfred connects the dots of food intake, hormones, and mental health across the lifespan. If you would like to get in touch with Manfred, you can find him here: https://www.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/de/das-klinikum/mitarbeiter/profil/1965... or reach him at: [email protected]:00:25: Introduction of our guest Manfred Hallschmid and his field of research01:17: What is metabolism?02:25: Which systems in the body and the brain are involved in food intake?06:25: Top-down and bottom-up pathways linking metabolism with cognitive function, mental health, and mood14:44: Key sex differences in metabolism and their onset21:03: Influence of sex hormones on metabolism27:10: How do the hormonal fluctuations across the female life span impact metabolism?42:42: Summary45:00: Future directions in research48:05: Take home message49:55: Closing remarksOutline & questions: Nina Goll & Franziska WeinmarSound recording: Nina Goll with the equipment of the IRTG2804Editing: Franziska WeinmarDo you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk About the (Stalled) Gender Revolution 19.06.2025 50min

  Welcome Prof. Dr. Pia Schober, who brings us a sociological perspective on our field of research! Pia is a professor at the University of Tübingen, where she leads the Chair of Microsociology in the Department of Sociology and is also part of our IRTG 2804. As an expert on gender-specific and social inequalities focusing on the impact of childcare and education policies, Pia talks about historic and current trends of the gender revolution in this podcast. Why does the gender revolution seem to be stalling? Is there a "paradox in women's well-being" - and how could we explain it?Listen to explore a different perspective and gather food for thought to start a discussion in your circles too! If you would like to get in touch with Pia, you can find her here: https://uni-tuebingen.de/fakultaeten/wirtschafts-und-sozialwissenschaftliche-fakultaet/faecher/fachbereich-sozialwissenschaften/soziologie/institut/personen/prof-pia-s-schober/... or reach her at: [email protected]:00:25: Introduction of our Guest Pia Schober and her field of research01:47: How is gender defined in sociology?02:50: What kind of social inequalities are related to gender and how has this changed over time?08:14: Factors, phases and current trends of the gender revolution17:00: Benefits of the gender revolution23:44: The longitudinal female well-being paradox36:33: Summary39:00: How can we move towards a less polarized discussion around gender, while acknowledging the effect that gender has on mental health & well-being?47:01: What methods does Pia Schober use in her research?49:21: Closing remarksOutline & questions: Hanna Wierenga & Franziska WeinmarSound recording: Franziska Weinmar with the equipment of the IRTG2804Editing: Franziska WeinmarDo you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk With Young Researchers: Zoé Bürger 17.04.2025 53min

  Let's Talk WITH Young Researchers: our podcast sideline in which we give the word to young researchers in the field of women's mental health!In this episode, meet Zoé Bürger, PhD researcher in the Women's Mental Health and Brain Function lab in Tübingen, where she has been working with Prof. Birgit Derntl.We talk about Zoé's research on hormonal contraception, specifically the hormonal IUD, and stress. Besides, Zoé shares her PhD journey over the past years, how she faced challenges, and found her "village". In the end of the podcast, Zoé answers our famous quick "3 Burning Questions":Who is your science crush? What did you not know/expect before starting a PhD? What do you enjoy most about your work as a PhD researcher? Do you want to get in touch with Zoé? Reach out to: [email protected]... or find her on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoebuerger/Sound recording: Franziska WeinmarEditing: Franziska WeinmarDo you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk About Endometriosis 20.03.2025 43min

  March is Endometriosis Awareness Month - so Let's Talk About Endometriosis!In this conversation, Elle Murata, PhD researcher in the Cognitive Neuroendocrinology Lab at the University of California, is sharing insights into neuroscience research on endometriosis.What is endometriosis? Why is it important to consider endometriosis in neuroscience research? How are Elle and her research group exploring the topic? Elle is here to answer all these questions! In addition, she talks about the challenges of this research, her experiences as a young researcher and what she envisions for the future field. Visit the Cognitive Neuroendocrinology Jacob's Lab website here: https://jacobs.psych.ucsb.edu/If you would like to get in touch with Elle, you can find her here: https://jacobs.psych.ucsb.edu/people/elle-murata... or reach her at: [email protected]:00:26 Introduction of our guest Elle Murata and her field of research01:48 What is endometriosis?08:17 Why is it important to investigate endometriosis from a neuroscientific point of view?14:15 Elle's neuroscience research project on endometriosis24:39 Aims & hypotheses of the project26:29 Possible implications32:35 Challenges of this research topic35:58 Summary38:55 Closing remarks & future directions in research39:50 Elle's experience as a young researcherOutline & questions: Franziska WeinmarSound recording: Franziska Weinmar with the equipment of the IRTG2804Editing: Franziska WeinmarDo you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk About Cognition During Hormonal Fluctuations 20.02.2025 52min

  How do hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle or when using oral contraceptives ("the pill") affect cognitive functions? In this episode, Franziska speaks with Prof. DDr. MMMag. Belinda Pletzer (Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg), a leading expert in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology, especially when it comes to hormone-brain interactions. With a diverse background spanning biology, psychology, philosophy, and mathematics, Belinda's research focuses particularly on the effects of sex hormones and gender-related aspects of neuroscience, such as the effects of hormonal contraceptives on the female brain.Together we explore if and how cognitive performance and brain activity are affected by the menstrual cycle, premenstural syndrome (PMS), and oral contraceptives. Belinda also shares her hypothesis on hormonal sensitivity across the female lifespan and whether more or actually less sensitivity could be a risk factor for mental health. As always, we conclude with an outlook on how our guest envisions the future development of the research field. Join us for a deep dive into this enlightening conversation - and find out if the myth that all women are affected by the menstrual cycle holds true...Visit the website of Belinda's research group: https://ccns.plus.ac.at/labs/sexandgender/... and Belinda's profile: https://ccns.plus.ac.at/labs/sexandgender/members/belinda_pletzer/If you would like to get in touch with Belinda, you can reach her at: [email protected]:00:27 Introduction of Belinda Pletzer and her field of research02:20 The menstrual cycle and its phases05:18 Oral contraceptives and their influence on the menstrual cycle08:20 How do we define cognitive functions?10:24 Investigating cognitive functions - Belinda's research12:58 Does the menstrual cycle affect cognitive performance?22:28 Belinda's research on PMS, mood and cognitive performance33:08 Do oral contraceptives affect cognitive performance?41:11 Hot Topic: Hormonal sensitivity - Belinda's hypothesis46:30 Summary49:54 Closing remarks and future directions in research Outline & questions: Franziska WeinmarSound recording: Franziska Weinmar with the equipment of the IRTG2804Editing: Franziska WeinmarDo you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk About Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) 16.01.2025 59min

  Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) approximately affects 2-5% of women around the world. In this episode we have Dr. Liza Kaltsouni, postdoc at Uppsala University, Department of Women's and Children's Health, as an expert in our podcast. During her PhD, Liza Kaltsouni conducted research on PMDD and collected various data, including brain data in the MRI scanner. This has influenced her holistic perspective on PMDD and the multimodal network approach needed to understand this multimodal disorder. In addition to pursuing such a multimodal approach for future research on PMDD, Liza emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary work and the inclusion of the people for whom the research is intended. Following the motto “nothing good is easy”, Liza calls on us to listen more. And you can start today - by listening to this enlightening conversation!Timestamps:00:27 Introduction of our guest Dr. Liza Kaltsouni & her field of research01:46 What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and how is it differed to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) ?05:57 What do we know about underlying causes of PMDD?12:13 Hormonal sensitivity hypothesis18:22 What do we know about PMDD & brain structure + function?27:57 Multimodal study project & findings of Liza Kaltsouni37:55 Implications of Liza's research41:10 Current available treatment for PMDD44:59 Outlook: Upcoming treatment possibilities for PMDD?48:50 Summary52:27 Closing remarks & future directions in research Want to get in touch with [email protected]://www.uu.se/en/contact-and-organisation/staff?query=N19-2428Sound recording: Franziska Weinmar at Recording Studio Blasenhus, Uppsala University Editing: Franziska WeinmarDo you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk With Young Researchers: Hanna Wierenga 19.12.2024 47min

  Let's Talk WITH Young Researchers: our podcast sideline in which we give the word to young researchers in the field of women's mental health!In this episode, meet Hanna Wierenga, PhD Candidate in the IRTG2804, who is working with Prof. Pia Schober (Tübingen) and Prof. Alkistis Skalkidou (Uppsala) on gender identity and ideologies and mental health, specifically during and after pregnancy.We talk about Hanna's PhD projects and journey so far, how she deals with setbacks and that a PhD is like detective work. In the end of the podcast, Hanna answers our quick "3 Burning Questions":Who is your science crush? What did you not know/expect before starting a PhD? What do you enjoy most about your work as a PhD researcher? Do you want to get in touch with Hanna Wierenga? Reach out to: [email protected] Sound recording: Franziska Weinmar at Recording Studio Blasenhus, Uppsala University Editing: Franziska WeinmarDo you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk About Menopause 21.11.2024 57min

  Despite being one of the major hormonal transition phases in the female lifespan, menopause is still underrepresented in medicine and research. Fortunately, this is changing - among others due to our guest, Dr. Claudia Barth, senior researcher at Diakonhjemmet Hospital and the Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research in Oslo, who is an expert on female hormonal transitions and their effect on the brain and mental illness. In this episode Franziska sits down with Claudia to demystify menopause, asking about symptoms, mental health, and what we know about changes in the brain during the menopause transition. Also, they dive into why menopause has remained a blind spot in neuroscience so far and why this matters. With a glimpse into Claudia’s ERC grant on “Mapping Perimenopause", this episode offers a hopeful vision for future research on women’s health, where menopause is finally getting the attention it deserves. Website to the ENIGMA consortium: https://enigma.ini.usc.edu/Website to the ENIGMA Neuroendocrinology workgroup: https://enigma.ini.usc.edu/ongoing/enigma-neuroendocrinology/Website to the ENIGMA Early Onset Psychosis workgroup: https://enigma.ini.usc.edu/ongoing/enigma-eop-working-group/If you would like to get in touch with Claudia, you can reach her at: [email protected]... or find her work at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Claudia-BarthTimestamps:00:27: Introducing Dr. Claudia Barth and her field of research02:17: How do we define menopause?05:38: What happens during menopause?11:40: Menopause and the brain17:35: Vulnerabilities and associated diseases21:32: Why do we know so little? Menopause and research31:55: Menopause and mental health43:22: Outlook: Claudia's ERC Project on "Mapping Perimenopause"50:56: Summary54:06: Closing remarks and future directions in research Outline & questions: Franziska WeinmarSound recording: Franziska Weinmar with the equipment of the IRTG2804Editing: Franziska WeinmarDo you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk About Adolescents & Social Media 17.10.2024 48min

  After our summer break we're back to talk about women! In this episode we dive into the period of adolescence with Dr. Jolien Trekels, who is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of North Carolina. Jolien unpacks how the adolescent brain and body develop during this critical period and explains the complex effects of social media on well-being, from the negative to the positive. Through a bio-psycho-social lens, Jolien and Franziska discuss state-of-the-art insights into mental health and gender differences on how today’s youths interact with social media. We end this episode as always with a look ahead and Jolien's thoughts on the future directions in this research field. Timestamps:00:27 Introduction of Dr. Jolien Trekels02:12 About adolescence: How is this period characterized? 03:32 Changes in the brain and the body08:50 What is (social) media?11:09 Negative effects of social media on well-being15:09 The "Swiss cheese model"17:09 Positive effects and negative effects of social media in adolescence29:07 Sex/gender differences in social media use patterns and mental health37:38 Influence of hormones on adolescent girls regarding their social media use39:45 Summary42:30 Closing remarks & future directions in researchOutline & questions: Edita Karavidaj & Franziska WeinmarSound recording: Franziska Weinmar with the equipment of the IRTG2804Editing: Franziska WeinmarDo you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk With Young Researchers: Gloria Matte Bon 18.07.2024 42min

  Let's Talk WITH Young Researchers: our new podcast sideline in which we give the word to young researchers in the field of women's mental health! We kick-off with our very own Gloria Matte Bon, PhD Candidate in the IRTG2804, who is working with Prof. Tobias Kaufmann, applying computational models to investigate sex differences in brain structure, with particular focus on hormonal transition periods and women’s mental health.We end this podcast by introducing a new closing category and Gloria is the first one to answer our "3 Burning Questions":Who is your science crush? What did you not know/expect before starting a PhD? What do you enjoy most about your work as a PhD researcher? Gloria's hot-off-the-press-paper: Modeling brain sex in the limbic system as phenotype for female-prevalent mental disorders (Matte Bon, Kraft, Comasco, Derntl, & Kaufmann, 2024). https://bsd.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13293-024-00615-1Sound recording: Franziska Weinmar with the equipment of the IRTG2804Editing: Franziska WeinmarDo you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Let's Talk About Computational Methods in Women’s Health 11.07.2024 48min

  Computational methods and machine learning are currently THE hot-topics and they are also applied in neuroscience research, showing us where the field is heading in the future. If you have ever wondered how these methods work, what their advantages - but also limitations - are and how they are implemented in research on women's mental health: We got you!In this episode Franziska is hosting Tobias Kaufmann, professor of neurotechnology and computational psychiatry at the University of Tübingen, who is also part of the IRTG2804. Tobias explains the basics of computational methods and gives us concrete examples of his own work, providing a first glimpse into the computational world. Also, we hear about his new ERC project: "HealthyMom: Modeling and maintaining maternal mental health".Timestamps:00:25 Introduction01:18 Computational psychiatry: Advantages & limitations10:15 Tobias' computational methods & examples: Prediction & classification models21:14 Computational methods in women's (mental) health: Focus on adolescence30:11 HealthyMom Project: Brain plasticity during pregnancy loss40:26 Recruitment information for Healthy Mom Study41:30 Summary43:40 Next steps in computational psychiatry and women's mental healthWebsite to Kaufmann Lab: https://www.kaufmannlab.org/About the HealthyMom Project: https://www.kaufmannlab.org/post/20230202-erc-consolidator-grant/References:Population-based neuroimaging reveals traces of childbirth in the maternal brain (de Lange, Kaufmann et al., 2019). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1910666116Menarche, pubertal timing and the brain: female-specific patterns of brain maturation beyond age-related development (Gottschwesky, Kraft, & Kaufmann, 2024). https://bsd.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13293-024-00604-4Domain adapted brain network fusion captures variance related to pubertal brain development and mental health (Kraft, Alnaes, & Kaufmann, 2023). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41839-wModeling brain sex in the limbic system as phenotype for female-prevalent mental disorders (Matte Bon, Kraft, Comasco, Derntl, & Kaufmann, 2024). https://bsd.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13293-024-00615-1Outline & questions: Franziska Weinmar & Gloria Matte BonSound recording: Franziska Weinmar with the equipment of the IRTG2804Editing: Franziska WeinmarDo you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions? Get in touch with us: [email protected] you intrigued by this topic and want to be kept updated? Follow us on twitter: @irtg2804 or instagram: @irtg2804 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.