Physiol Rev January 2008 PMID 18195084

Estradiol and the developing brain.

Margaret M McCarthy

Full text PDF Download social card

Mentions

106

Peak: 51 in Aug 2019

across 4 sources since Aug 2019

Extended reach

1,113,590

potential audience

Total likes

27,467

Video views

889,715

Mentions per month

Aug 2019 – Oct 2025

Where it's discussed

X / Twitter88 posts
YouTube14 videos
Facebook2 posts
Blogs2 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions demonstrate strong interest and engagement, with examples such as mentions of the hormone's role in brain development and debates over its implications for autism. The tone varies from enthusiastic to cautious, reflecting both curiosity and skepticism about the research's significance and future impact.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most posts acknowledge the potential connection between estrogen and autism, reflecting a cautious agreement with the study's implications.

InterestHigh interest

The posts show high curiosity, with many sharing excitement, asking questions, or emphasizing the importance of this research.

EngagementHigh engagement

Discussions include sharing examples, analyzing studies, and debating implications, indicating deep engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

While some see the research as potentially groundbreaking, many recognize it as preliminary, so the perceived immediate impact is moderate.

Abstract in brief

Estradiol is a powerful hormone in the estrogen family that influences brain development by regulating gene expression and activating signaling pathways, affecting processes like cell death, synapse formation, and neuron morphology.
The hormone's effects are region-specific and can have lasting impacts on brain structure and function, including establishing sex differences and providing neuroprotection.
Environmental chemicals that mimic or alter estradiol's actions pose risks to the developing brain, and understanding these mechanisms is crucial to preventing and addressing potential developmental issues.

Read the full abstract

All mentions

Estrogen's Role in Brain Development and Autism Risk Analysis

Scientists are exploring the link between elevated hormone levels, specifically estradiol, and autism spectrum disorder, highlighting how hormone influence shapes brain development and potential risks from environmental…

SciShow · Aug 2, 2019 768,180 views

Understanding How Testosterone Influences Attraction in Relationships

Men and women communicate differently about attraction due to biological and psychological differences. This video explores how hormones like testosterone and estrogen shape desire and relationship dynamics…

Psicología Cool · Mar 30, 2024 20,159 views

Understanding How Sex Differences Shape Brain Development and Desire

We explore how brain differences influence desire and attraction, highlighting hormones like estradiol that impact brain development, sex-specific behaviors, and the effects of environmental chemicals on these…

Psicología Cool · Mar 15, 2024 15,368 views

Understanding Differences in Male and Female Attraction and Desire

We tend to give men too much importance to physical attractiveness, which women value more. Men and women speak different languages when it comes to attraction. Psychologists and biologists have shown that we experience…

Psicología Cool · Apr 5, 2024 13,707 views

The Role of Estradiol in Brain Development and Sex Differences

Estradiol, a key hormone in the estrogen family, influences brain development by regulating gene expression, affecting cell death, synapse formation, and neuron morphology. Understanding its effects helps explain sex…

Psicología Cool · Apr 4, 2024 13,574 views

The Role of Pheromones in Attraction and Human Behavior Analysis

We give men too much importance to physical attractiveness, which women value more. Men and women communicate differently in terms of attraction. Understanding these differences improves empathy and relationships…

Psicología Cool · Apr 28, 2024 9,080 views

Hormones and Brain Development: Insights into Sex Differences and Risks

Psicología Cool · May 9, 2024 8,907 views

Psychological Techniques to Manage Uncontrollable Love Relationships

Ever wondered why infatuation triggers intense physical reactions and behavioral changes? This video explores 14 essential tools to effectively handle the passionate state, control emotional challenges, and transform…

Psicología Cool · Jun 19, 2024 8,714 views

Understanding Brain Development: The Role of Estradiol and Gender Differences

Estradiol is a powerful hormone influencing brain development by regulating gene expression, affecting cell death, synapse formation, and neuron morphology. Understanding its role helps explain sex differences and…

Psicología Cool · Mar 29, 2024 8,550 views

Understanding Brain Development and Hormonal Influence on Attraction

Le damos los hombres demasiada importancia al atractivo físico. This video explores how men and women experience attraction differently due to brain and hormonal differences, emphasizing the importance of understanding…

Psicología Cool · Mar 28, 2024 8,523 views

???? Lo que más atrae a un hombre | PSICOLOGÍA cool

Psicología Cool · Apr 1, 2024 7,548 views

????¿SON IGUAL DE AGRESIVAS LAS MUJERES?

Psicología Cool · Mar 17, 2024 5,844 views

Los MAYORES Secretos PSICOLÓGICOS Del AMOR????

Psicología Cool · Jun 11, 2024 1,059 views

???? Por Qué Los HOMBRES Son Superficiales???? | La Psicología Del DESEO

Psicología Cool · Feb 20, 2024 504 views

Curt vL

@CanuckDutch · X

@KaiTrumpJr No, should be someone who understands autism better. It's probably not vaccines. https://t.co/9ffO2Ie3AP

Oct 16, 2025 · 111 followers View post →

Suzana Pavlović

@susiecroatia369 · X

For those of us who were subjected to synthetic estrogen in utero. https://t.co/Ul8IAQHPLU

Sep 28, 2025 · 1 like · 3,145 followers View post →

Holger Kipp

@mr_wartung · X

@BennoList @PSHolstein Echt? https://t.co/NrJV89kmqa

Jul 31, 2025 · 1,499 followers View post →

Carlos Jokerson

@Carlosshiripiti · X

https://t.co/5nVaGyrYCU

Jul 18, 2025 · 26 followers View post →

Liz Jones

@LizJone55098804 · X

@jeannestradiol @Femi_Sorry Yes, they are. Estradiol is present both in the brains of males and females. https://t.co/s67IwLCesV

Apr 17, 2025 · 504 followers View post →

Mr.Bitter

@dollatoholla · X

@RebelPsych @esjesjesj I've seen over exposure to estrogen, but not neurotoxins. https://t.co/4aPEguYLIZ

Aug 29, 2024 · 105 followers View post →

BruceAshkr

@BruceAshkr · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/MnMmxRO1gi via @YouTube

Oct 30, 2023 · 984 followers View post →

Ravenwood

@rawnwyd · X

@Noadi @ErinInTheMorn This sent me on a search and I found this. https://t.co/3NDxBAOwr4

Aug 30, 2023 · 452 followers View post →

Show and Tell

@ShowandTell_Org · X

RT @ShowandTell_Org: The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism https://t.co/sCdPEQKRGP

May 10, 2023 · 1 share · 166 followers View post →

Show and Tell

@ShowandTell_Org · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism https://t.co/sCdPEQKRGP

May 5, 2023 · 1 share · 166 followers View post →

꧁America.Fun꧂

@DjArchytus · X

RT @ruthheasman: Not at all shocking… Exposure to high levels of estrogen in the womb is related to development of autism... The Unexpected…

May 2, 2023 · 1 share · 482 followers View post →

Open-Air ist

@BasicResearcher · X

Nothing wrong with that. https://t.co/MhR5JFffsb

Apr 30, 2023 · 41 followers View post →

Ruth Heasman

@ruthheasman · X

Apr 29, 2023 · 2 likes · 1 share · 4,335 followers View post →

@ts_yeliot · X

Guys, they figured out why all the trans femmes are autistic /j https://t.co/mYdmSzgnf5

Apr 28, 2023 · 192 followers View post →

Nell Whiteside

@scividence · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/azlmqoYFQu via @YouTube

Apr 28, 2023 · 609 followers View post →

T C Ray (CAW RPer?)

@ColinRayVWU · X

//Note: He points out near the end of the video that the researchers have declared they aren't doing this research with prevention in mind, only a better understanding. (Does that mean someone won't twist it towards eugenics at some point? Obv not.) https://t.co/pJrQEWiSkW

Apr 27, 2023 · 1 like · 237 followers View post →

TamarTamarix

@TamarTamarix · X

I wonder if this is also connected somehow to higher rates of ASD and other neurodovergencies among trans people? https://t.co/r9bhDrjpRG

Apr 27, 2023 · 126 followers View post →

Crap Zap (Sabrina)

@CrapZap · X

Liked on YouTube: The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/fC3ZnVPA0O

Apr 27, 2023 · 287 followers View post →

Tony

@Tony95075574 · X

Apr 26, 2023 · 2 likes · 572 followers View post →

Ravenwood

@rawnwyd · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/1XJNA5MP9x via @YouTube

Apr 26, 2023 · 452 followers View post →

Everett

@JCEverett22 · X

@168grams @buttonslives @always4life1011 Yes, extremely. https://t.co/Xne6qaVC27 for a small sampling of the innumerable differences found 16 years ago

Apr 7, 2023 · 342 followers View post →

Everett

@JCEverett22 · X

@buttonslives @always4life1011 The reason I bring that up is because there will unavoidably be more differences than similarities. Sexual brain dimorphism is pronounced and irreversible. https://t.co/Xne6qaVC27 While something may have been found to be similar, most of the brain won't be. It's cherry picking.

Apr 7, 2023 · 342 followers View post →

Everett

@JCEverett22 · X

@buttonslives "...many unique parameters found only in the developing brain act to guide or restrict the potential actions of estradiol during the early phase of life. It is these actions that are particularly of interest as they can have life-long impacts" https://t.co/Xne6qaVC27

Apr 6, 2023 · 342 followers View post →

Everett

@JCEverett22 · X

@buttonslives Mammalian M/F brain dimorphism has been known to undergo permanent changes from very young ages, some even at neonatal stages. "actions of estradiol on developing brain are generally permanent and range from establishment of sex differences.." https://t.co/abF3aMkQ2c 1/

Apr 6, 2023 · 342 followers View post →

Miranda „agquarx” McKennitt—

@mirandamckenni1 · X

RT @mirandamckenni1: At one point in time ( August 2, 2019 at 11:00PM)—we personally liked this artisan video on YouTube—enjoy: The Unexpec…

Feb 16, 2023 · 1 share · 10,249 followers View post →

Miranda „agquarx” McKennitt—

@mirandamckenni1 · X

At one point in time ( August 2, 2019 at 11:00PM)—we personally liked this artisan video on YouTube—enjoy: The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/IHSXFah67A There's a lot we don't understand about autism spectr… https://t.co/QiRDq4ewv0

Feb 15, 2023 · 1 like · 1 share · 10,249 followers View post →

Agnieszka—means "a spark”—

@AgnaeshMcKenni1 · X

At one point in time ( August 2, 2019 at 11:00PM)—we personally liked this artisan video on YouTube—enjoy: The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/Pddo2tXfug There's a lot we don't understand about autism spectr… https://t.co/FKcoPjWy9M

Feb 15, 2023 · 185 followers View post →

Miranda „agquarx” McKennitt—

@mirandamckenni1 · X

Feb 12, 2023 · 10,249 followers View post →

Agnieszka—means "a spark”—

@AgnaeshMcKenni1 · X

Feb 12, 2023 · 185 followers View post →

AASCEND SF

@AASCEND_SF · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/qhasXMt9o6 via @YouTube

Dec 30, 2022 · 135 followers View post →

Show and Tell

@ShowandTell_Org · X

https://t.co/sCdPER1UIP

May 24, 2022 · 166 followers View post →

gofuckyourself, elon

@CarlaEasterling · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/M6fIe1AVcM via @YouTube #saythatagain

Jun 6, 2021 · 173 followers View post →

Kaela Rae

@kaela_kaela · X

Since It’s Autism awareness month thought I’d share this. The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/jNGsnyUqHv via @YouTube.

Apr 1, 2021 · 185 followers View post →

Zero Forté =^•^=

@n1fffan · X

https://t.co/vIXRk65j5w fascinating

Oct 12, 2020 · 78 followers View post →

serene.winxx

@yoooonisha · X

RT @FleurBrun999: The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/c4g8Lv5Uu4 via @YouTube

Jul 29, 2020 · 1 share · 67 followers View post →

smekkens

@pandemic_de · X

May 8, 2020 · 2 likes · 1,132 followers View post →

Melissa P

@MelissaA42 · X

@KyleKulinski Based on medical studies everyone has their own unique sex and medicine should be made on an individual baises. If you look at biological data each individual has their own variation of testosterone and estrogen which also may explain autism https://t.co/VoTnlL6KtD

Sep 12, 2019 · 5 followers View post →

Sarah Walker

@jsjwalker · X

For all you folks who refuse to vaccinate your kids due to the belief it causes autism. The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/5iLMFRmxpd via @YouTube

Sep 4, 2019 · 2 likes · 33 followers View post →

Elise Larsson

@EliseLarsson · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/aDvAoB6sjX via @YouTube

Aug 19, 2019 · 239 followers View post →

Jaime Yarbrough

@Snowflake70 · X

What?? It NOT about mercury in vaccinations?? OOPS !!!!LOL

Aug 13, 2019 · 342 followers View post →

FleurBrun

@FleurBrun999 · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/c4g8Lv5Uu4 via @YouTube

Aug 8, 2019 · 2 likes · 1 share · 494 followers View post →

Recognized female by federal and state government

@PurpleWOrange · X

Is estrogen a key component is the development of autistic brains? The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/QpvCgOvLVy via @YouTube

Aug 7, 2019 · 2 likes · 2,215 followers View post →

Giuseppe Iannucci

@peppexv · X

This is that video David George that I was on about. It's painful watching a science channel try to present a potentially interesting and important video while being so clumsy and at times completely nonfactual with language.... https://t.co/3yx9zx4Qhj

Aug 7, 2019 · 2,876 followers View post →

VIP Platinum LOL

@FOXHOUND83 · X

https://t.co/MgGPPq3fs3 Bahaha

Aug 6, 2019 · 34 followers View post →

Twei Lim Lou

@CommS007 · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/lorCiuKo6D via @YouTube

Aug 6, 2019 · 297 followers View post →

#MoreJusticesMoreJustice Speak up & hang on

@elebenty · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/eqdiVV62no via @YouTube

Aug 6, 2019 · 1,794 followers View post →

Jesus_Skywalker ☭ ☭ ☭

@000jhs · X

https://t.co/F3zRwJqs4R

Aug 5, 2019 · 1,091 followers View post →

Kira Moore

@kiramoore626 · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/J5HzXCuSfp https://t.co/6Mzmq1Tz3j

Aug 5, 2019 · 253 followers View post →

UBI_NOW

@UBI_NOW · X

https://t.co/FSlGFvwgCy

Aug 5, 2019 · 11,391 followers View post →

Ruby projecting himself on the humble nautilus

@Strayed_Raptor · X

RT @SciShow: Scientists have found an unexpected link between autism and elevated hormone levels. https://t.co/8DMfGggNuF https://t.co/9LTt…

Aug 5, 2019 · 4 shares · 448 followers View post →

Tyrhaynes

@Tyrhaynes · X

Looks like we will need to do some research on estradiol and brain development. https://t.co/eVuliS8DxC

Aug 4, 2019 · 195 followers View post →

Phil Hulbig

@phulbig2 · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/1FPNkvYYTI via @YouTube

Aug 4, 2019 · 15 followers View post →

TomiTapio

@Tomi_Tapio · X

#autism and hormones in the womb. 100 000 samples from pregnant women. https://t.co/d3sqIZ9OeN

Aug 4, 2019 · 2,081 followers View post →

sophieopossum

@sophieopossum · X

Liked on YouTube: The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/2tW3aQuUlB

Aug 4, 2019 · 677 followers View post →

Hugo Angulo

@thermotronica · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/E7IOyQXMvw via @YouTube

Aug 4, 2019 · 2,979 followers View post →

OneDay

@vick_ro · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/CqzhFiCrVc vía @YouTube

Aug 4, 2019 · 62 followers View post →

⚫️ Lorna

@starsmurf77 · X

Can I ask other autistic people what they think of this research? Watch the whole thing because they do go into the problems, as much as you can in a short, popular science video. https://t.co/NNj0U6jTNe #AskingAutistics #ActuallyAutistic

Aug 4, 2019 · 1,318 followers View post →

Yuji Marutani | The Exiled Emperor

@YujiMarutani · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/9S1nQQhic6 @YouTube

Aug 4, 2019 · 1,554 followers View post →

Rationable

@berationable · X

#Vaccines don’t cause #autism . But oestrogen might. this is just one more possible connection made in a disease we still don’t understand. this DOES NOT mean that autism is cause by women. The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism https://t.co/bLu9uwb8iP

Aug 4, 2019 · 846 followers View post →

Cirnsienra

@iamapant · X

@YellowFlashGuy You guys really should stop making fun of Ron. Atlease have some empathy for the guy would ya? https://t.co/8WvncucVZm

Aug 4, 2019 · 8 followers View post →

SlowMoney Green

@SlowMoneyGreen · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/YKXXzK2Ysg #AutismAwareness

Aug 3, 2019 · 2,232 followers View post →

aleksandar ilic

@flylord · X

RT @dmisic: The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/NyvnqQLoIq

Aug 3, 2019 · 1 share · 469 followers View post →

Mita

@dmisic · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/NyvnqQLoIq

Aug 3, 2019 · 2 likes · 1 share · 6,843 followers View post →

Adam Golding

@adamgolding · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/jn19oAr7Am

Aug 3, 2019 · 1,517 followers View post →

Highfinancier 2: The Quickbooking

@donsheldon · X

SciShow does good science reporting, and I believe this topic may be relevant to some of your interests. Don't come looking for answers, this is about understanding. https://t.co/SPVYWE6ZJO

Aug 3, 2019 · 228 followers View post →

OP’s Terrifying Answer

@Deus_Ex_Human · X

An Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen & Austism via @SciShow https://t.co/3CzOfod9yv

Aug 3, 2019 · 1,477 followers View post →

Erin Salthouse♿

@ErinSalthouse · X

Concise explanation of some studies and what the results mean. How does this study relate to your experience? https://t.co/5FVWihfnvM

Aug 3, 2019 · 46 followers View post →

Charles Ikenna

@CharlesIkenna23 · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/JQA9HpSkrD via @YouTube

Aug 3, 2019 · 3,222 followers View post →

Moody Cat

@Mancunicat · X

https://t.co/lbaw4ISg00

Aug 3, 2019 · 618 followers View post →

Tetra

@TetraTerezi · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/5o55U39rY7 https://t.co/fsJ5VuHODW

Aug 3, 2019 · 334 followers View post →

Philip Kehoe

@Phil_Z42 · X

This is interesting but also frustrating: https://t.co/2CxvoqRkqy

Aug 3, 2019 · 589 followers View post →

気持ち

@Cheripicachu · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism https://t.co/foDm1oSZgM If this is found conclusive and published in Science Journal, it will finally shut down all anti-vaxxers out there.

Aug 3, 2019 · 1 like · 135 followers View post →

MWDD

@IstacpiccM · X

https://t.co/osQd9zNtRw

Aug 3, 2019 · 432 followers View post →

Rodent Of Unusual Size

@OregonPerson · X

Correlation is not causation, but this is interesting nonetheless. https://t.co/lJsMXtxSru

Aug 3, 2019 · 413 followers View post →

Digit Emmzyz

@_Emmzyz_ · X

RT @SciShow: Scientists have found an unexpected link between autism and elevated hormone levels. https://t.co/8DMfGggNuF https://t.co/9LTt…

Aug 2, 2019 · 4 shares · 558 followers View post →

Miguel Pérez

@mape_llm · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism https://t.co/R13oIw0pR7

Aug 2, 2019 · 220 followers View post →

ucmtgktp

@ucmtgktp · X

Watch “The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News” on YouTube https://t.co/jVwFENQiG3 https://t.co/MPxXFQCgLB

Aug 2, 2019 · 7 followers View post →

John Romano LMT

@johnromanolmt · X

https://t.co/ZlPsnMhILd https://t.co/ZlPsnMhILd

Aug 2, 2019 · 289 followers View post →

William Wallace

@bill14051 · X

RT @SciShow: Scientists have found an unexpected link between autism and elevated hormone levels. https://t.co/8DMfGggNuF https://t.co/9LTt…

Aug 2, 2019 · 4 shares · 326 followers View post →

triciakitty

@triciakitty · X

I beg of anti-vax/autism conspiracy theorists to watch this video! @isaacrthorne Hopefully at least one person will wake the fuck up by watching this! https://t.co/LOG88nUrF0

Aug 2, 2019 · 1 like · 2,404 followers View post →

SciShow

@SciShow · X

Scientists have found an unexpected link between autism and elevated hormone levels. https://t.co/8DMfGggNuF https://t.co/9LTtzWjozb

Aug 2, 2019 · 23 likes · 4 shares · 113,788 followers View post →

New American Consensus

@truth4president · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News Maybe we should take the Danish Historic Birth Cohort research model & make it global. Very useful research data

Aug 2, 2019 · 2,699 followers View post →

Issues Unite

@abqmalenurse · X

Something most people are not aware of is that thermal printer paper is coated with an artificial female hormone (a chemical which is nearly identical and does affect hormone... https://t.co/77FMJLIn81

Aug 2, 2019 · 151 followers View post →

DennyPG

@DennyPG67 · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News https://t.co/CJnFbyoo57

Aug 2, 2019 · 26 followers View post →

Lawrence Villegas

@Kuya_Law · X

New research on autism https://t.co/nFuB2DqH3X

Aug 2, 2019 · 670 followers View post →

@k2e2nw.bsky.social

@K2E2NW · X

Well this is interesting https://t.co/c3a2cDQXq2

Aug 2, 2019 · 262 followers View post →

e-csce

@e_csce · X

The Unexpected Connection Between Estrogen and Autism | SciShow News @ https://t.co/zIdpG5RGcP https://t.co/wv8H8kqQsV

Aug 2, 2019 · 119 followers View post →

SkunkerPuppy

@SkunkerPuppy · X

~==AUTISM VS ESTROGEN==~ -...The Unexpected Connection | SciShow News https://t.co/VAImpFVKIn

Aug 2, 2019 · 3,593 followers View post →

Estradiol and the developing brain.

Mentions per month

Where it's discussed

What people are saying

Abstract in brief

Top posts

All mentions