The Coalition for Women’s Brain Health (CWBH) is pleased to share the latest installment of its Expert Interview Series, featuring Dr. Jill Goldstein, a pioneering researcher whose work has helped advance our understanding of sex differences in brain health and disease.
What shapes women’s brain health across the lifespan? And how can a deeper understanding of biological sex differences lead to more effective approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment?
In this conversation, Dr. Goldstein draws on more than three decades of research to explore how brain development, hormonal transitions, and interconnected biological systems influence health and disease risk.
Understanding Brain Health Across the Lifespan
Dr. Goldstein discusses how biological differences in brain development may begin before birth and continue to influence health throughout life.
She highlights the importance of studying critical periods, including puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, to better understand how hormonal changes may contribute to differences in neurological and psychiatric disease risk.
The Connection Between Brain and Body
Women’s brain health cannot be considered in isolation.
Dr. Goldstein explores the interconnected roles of the brain, cardiovascular system, immune system, and metabolic health. She discusses how understanding these relationships may help researchers identify earlier risk factors and develop more targeted approaches to prevention and treatment.
Closing Gaps in Women’s Brain Health Research
A central theme of the conversation is the importance of designing research to identify sex differences from the outset.
Dr. Goldstein emphasizes that including more women in clinical trials is essential, but insufficient on its own. Researchers must also account for biological factors, reproductive stages, and differences in treatment response.
She also discusses opportunities to advance sex-selective diagnostics and therapies, improve understanding of menopause-related brain changes, and strengthen collaboration between academic researchers and industry.
Advancing the Future of Women’s Brain Health
Through her work and participation in CWBH, Dr. Goldstein continues to advocate for research that recognizes biological sex differences and translates scientific discoveries into meaningful improvements in health.
Her insights reinforce the Coalition’s mission to address critical evidence gaps, encourage cross-sector collaboration, and advance research that can improve brain health outcomes for women.
Watch the Full Interview
Explore Dr. Goldstein’s insights into the science of sex differences, the importance of a lifespan approach, and the future of women’s brain health research.