Daily variation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cortisol in women with normal menstrual cycles, undergoing oral contraception and in postmenopause

Abstract

BDNF has a diurnal variation in women that is somewhat analogous to cortisol variation; however, the amplitude of the variation in BDNF levels appears to be influenced by ovarian function. Interactions between BDNF, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and sex steroids might play a critical role in the human homeostasis and adaptation.