Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging. 2025 Oct 17:S2451-9022(25)00307-6. doi: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2025.10.006. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Earlier timing and faster tempo of puberty have been associated with altered brain development and increased mental health problems in adolescents, particularly females. However, the role of oestradiol (E2) in these associations is unclear.
METHODS: Using longitudinal data from the US-based Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM Study (ABCD Study®), we investigated whether, in females (N ∼ 3k), E2 timing (at age 10) and tempo (rate of change from age 10 to 12) were prospectively associated with mental health problems at age 13 via structural brain development from age 10 to 12. Linear mixed-effects models and Bayesian mediation models were fitted to investigate the aims of the study.
RESULTS: Findings showed that E2 timing was not associated with mental health problems. However, earlier E2 timing was associated with a greater reduction in total cortical volume, total surface area, and surface area in the superior and middle temporal cortex over time. Further, a faster E2 tempo was associated with an increase in mental health problems, and this association was mediated by a faster reduction in total cortical volume and total surface area over time.
CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that earlier E2 timing and faster E2 tempo contribute to accelerated development of gray matter structure in adolescent females, and for E2 tempo, such associated brain changes may partly contribute to increased mental illness risk.
PMID:41110553 | DOI:10.1016/j.bpsc.2025.10.006
