New Delhi: Brain processes involved in learning may naturally fluctuate in line with the female reproductive cycle and be linked with molecular changes driven by dopamine production, according to a new study in mice, findings from which could help explain how the neurochemical aids learning in humans.

"There is a growing realisation in the medical community that changes in oestrogen levels are related to cognitive function and, specifically, psychiatric disorders," said Christine Constantinople, professor at New York University's Center for Neural Science and senior author of the study published in Nature Neuroscience.

Researchers found that learning abilities in mice improved when oestrogen levels were increased, likely because the hormone boosts dopamine activity in the brain's reward centre, strengthening reward signals. When oestrogen activity was suppressed, dopamine regulation weakened, leading to reduced learning.

The findings suggest a link between hormone levels and neuropsychiatric symptoms. "All neuropsychiatric disorders show fluctuations in symptom severity over hormonal states," Constantinople said.

Lead author Carla Golden said the results provide a biological explanation connecting dopamine's role with learning, offering insights into both health and disease.