What is actually happening to your brain, and what Solenne does about it.

The neuroscience behind menopause-related brain fog and forgetfulness, explained clearly and fully. The Brain Brownout model, the estrogen-glucose connection, the FSH-brain inflammation link, six pathways, ten ingredients. The science behind every decision we made.

The brain brownout

“The menopausal brain is not broken. It is running on less energy. The result is not a worse brain; it is a tired brain with an energy deficit.”

Claudia Armstead, Founder, Solenne

The brain brownout

Not a blackout. Not a breakdown. A brownout: when the system is intact but running below capacity. This is Solenne's framework for understanding what menopause actually does to the brain, and it is grounded in peer-reviewed science.

What is the Brain Brownout?

The Brain Brownout is the term Solenne has coined to describe the measurable reduction in cognitive performance that accompanies the decline in estrogen during perimenopause and menopause. It is not a metaphor. It describes a specific neurobiological event: the reduction of energy production in the regions of the brain most responsible for the cognitive functions that define professional performance. The word brownout is chosen deliberately. Unlike a blackout, a brownout does not represent system failure; it represents a system running under capacity due to insufficient power. The brain is not broken. It is underpowered. That distinction matters enormously, both clinically and psychologically, for the women experiencing it.

What is the estrogen-glucose connection?

Estrogen is widely understood as a reproductive hormone. What is less widely communicated is its role as a key driver of energy production in the brain. Normal levels of Estrogen drive glucose into brain cells in several key ways, including the production of more ‘transporter’ proteins that can carry glucose across cell membranes into brain cells, as well as making brain tissue more sensitive to the hormone insulin, which allows cells to be more able to absorb those proteins carrying the glucose. 
When estrogen levels decline during the menopausal transition, fewer glucose carrier proteins are produced, and the cells become less sensitive to insulin. The consequence is a measurable reduction in energy production in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, the two regions most responsible for memory formation, word retrieval, and executive decision-making. Special brain imaging studies designed to see how active different parts of your brain are have confirmed this reduction in energy production in menopausal women. This has given us direct evidence for the cause of the menopausal symptoms women are suffering from.

What is the FSH-Brain Connection?

Estrogen decline is only half the story. When estrogen drops, your brain begins overproducing Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in a frantic attempt to stimulate the ovaries. For decades, scientists thought FSH only affected the reproductive cycle.
However, the latest neuroscience reveals that when there is an FSH spike in perimenopause, it crosses into the memory and decision-making areas of the brain, causing damage. This research shows that high FSH levels are a key factor in the lower activity and dropped energy production seen in menopausal brain scan studies.

What exactly did the Brain scan studies show?

The studies have shown significant reductions in the activity of the parts of the brain known as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, during and after the menopausal transition. These areas are directly responsible for the cognitive symptoms most commonly reported: impaired memory, word loss, and reduced executive function. 
These findings have been repeated again and again in imaging studies over decades. Solenne is built specifically to address all of the factors affecting energy production in the brain and is the first ever supplement to do so.

Is this permanent? Will it get worse?

No. This is a critically important distinction. The cognitive symptoms of menopause are caused by reduced energy production in specific brain regions, but the brain remains intact. In permanent, structural conditions, brain cells physically die and tissue is permanently lost.

Six pathways.

One formula.

No single ingredient addresses the full complexity of the brain brownout. Solenne targets six distinct biological mechanisms, each contributing to cognitive performance in the menopausal brain. Together they form a coordinated, comprehensive response to menopause, which so far has always been overlooked.

Six pathways. One formula.
No. Pathway What it addresses Key ingredient
01 The Hormone Reset

When estrogen drops and FSH skyrockets, the brain's master controls go into panic mode. Solenne works from both angles.

Genistein + DIM + Ashwagandha
02 Fuel the Brain

The hormonal chaos starves brain cells of fuel. Once Solenne helps stabilize your hormones, it uses essential micronutrients to help optimal energy production.

Riboflavin (B2) + Biotin
03 Sharp Memory & Recall

Brain fog often comes down to a drop in acetylcholine. Solenne delivers the direct nutrient building blocks required to keep this vital neurotransmitter firing cleanly.

Citicoline
04 Calm Focus & Cortisol Control

Menopausal stress floods your system with cortisol, driving mental fatigue. Solenne interrupts this, balancing your stress response, bringing back a sense of steady, unshakeable calm.

Ashwagandha KSM-66 + L-Theanine
05 Neuroplasticity & Brain Resilience

True cognitive longevity relies on neuroplasticity; your brain's ability to repair, adapt, and build new cellular connections. This targeted blend acts like fertilizer for your brain cells, keeping your cognitive networks adaptable, resilient, and sharp.

Lion's Mane + Zinc Bisglycinate + Saffron
06 Mood & Deep Sleep Recovery

No other botanical matches saffron's clinical track record for lifting mood, easing stress, and restoring deep sleep.

Saffron
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This is what serious looks like

No fillers. No guesswork. No underdosed gestures at science. Just what your brain actually needs.

How Solenne Works

The six pathways

No single ingredient addresses the full complexity of the brain brownout. Solenne targets six distinct biological mechanisms, each contributing to cognitive performance in the menopausal brain. Together, they form a coordinated, comprehensive response to menopause, which so far has always been overlooked.

Pathway 01: The Hormone Reset

Normal Estrogen levels signal to your brain that everything in the world is good. Estrogen is also the master key that unlocks your brain's energy supply, pulling glucose into your cells to keep your mind sharp.

However, during menopause when estrogen levels drop, two things happen at once. First, the brain's fuel delivery abruptly stalls, starving cells of energy. Second, unable to find the estrogen it expects, the brain signals danger. It fires a hormonal SOS signal to your ovaries in the form of FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), demanding they release an egg to produce more estrogen.

But because the ovaries can't respond like they used to, the brain never gets that estrogen payoff. So, it keeps hitting the alarm. FSH levels skyrocket to 10 times higher than normal. This isn't just a reproductive issue—it's a neurological crisis. While your brain cells are starved of fuel, that sudden, violent surge of FSH hits receptors right in your thermostat (the hypothalamus) and your mood center (the amygdala). The result? Brain fog and memory problems from the energy crash, colliding with hot flashes, night sweats, and that sudden, unprovoked "fight-or-flight" anxiety. It can feel like a panic attack because, biologically, your master controls are panicking.

Most remedies just try to top up your estrogen. But to actually fix the chaos, you have to cut the wires on the alarm. By pairing Genistein to mimic estrogen and safely restore that vital cellular fuel line, with Ashwagandha to calm the nervous system, you stop the FSH spike at the source. You aren't just masking symptoms; you're telling the brain it's safe to stand down.

Normal Estrogen levels signal to your brain that everything in the world is good. Estrogen is also the master key that unlocks your brain's energy supply, pulling glucose into your cells to keep your mind sharp.

However, during menopause when estrogen levels drop, two things happen at once. First, the brain's fuel delivery abruptly stalls, starving cells of energy. Second, unable to find the estrogen it expects, the brain signals danger. It fires a hormonal SOS signal to your ovaries in the form of FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), demanding they release an egg to produce more estrogen.

But because the ovaries can't respond like they used to, the brain never gets that estrogen payoff. So, it keeps hitting the alarm. FSH levels skyrocket to 10 times higher than normal. This isn't just a reproductive issue—it's a neurological crisis. While your brain cells are starved of fuel, that sudden, violent surge of FSH hits receptors right in your thermostat (the hypothalamus) and your mood center (the amygdala). The result? Brain fog and memory problems from the energy crash, colliding with hot flashes, night sweats, and that sudden, unprovoked "fight-or-flight" anxiety. It can feel like a panic attack because, biologically, your master controls are panicking.

Most remedies just try to top up your estrogen. But to actually fix the chaos, you have to cut the wires on the alarm. By pairing Genistein to mimic estrogen and safely restore that vital cellular fuel line, with Ashwagandha to calm the nervous system, you stop the FSH spike at the source. You aren't just masking symptoms; you're telling the brain it's safe to stand down.

⚠️ Solenne contains genistein, a phytoestrogen. If you are currently taking HRT, please consult your doctor before use. A genistein-free version for women on HRT is being explored for a future release.

The research

"The menopausal brain is not broken. It is running on less energy. The result is not a worse brain; it is a tired brain with an energy deficit."

Rus Hughes, Operating Partner, Solenne

The research

Solenne does not make claims it cannot substantiate. The following categories of research underpin the formula, the Brain Brownout model, and every science claim made on this site.

Brain Glucose Metabolism and Menopause: PET Neuroimaging Studies

Brain imaging research documents the alteration in brain glucose metabolism associated with the menopausal transition. Key studies examine glucose uptake in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex across menopausal stages, consistently showing reduced bioenergetic activity in women during and after the transition. These studies provide the direct neurobiological evidence base for the Brain Brownout model.



Core Reference Study: Mosconi, L., et al. (2017). Perimenopause and emergence of an altered bioenergetic phenotype in brain and periphery. PLoS ONE. PubMed: 29016679 (Note: Utilized strictly as baseline neuroimaging evidence for glucose hypometabolism during the perimenopause transition).

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Cognitive Transition

Recent neurobiological research demonstrates that rising FSH levels during the menopausal transition do not merely reflect ovarian changes, but actively interact with receptors in the brain's integration centers, influencing metabolic and cognitive pathways during the transition.



Core Reference Study: Xiong, J., et al. (2022). FSH blockade improves cognition and alleviates bioenergetic deficits in menopausal models. Nature. PubMed: 35236988 (Note: Utilized strictly to substantiate the direct biological link between elevated gonadotropins and central metabolic shifts).

Estrogen and Cholinergic Function: Acetylcholine Decline in Menopause

Research examining the relationship between estrogen and acetylcholine activity in the brain documents significant shifts in cholinergic function during the menopausal transition. Studies include both in-vivo neuroimaging research and post-mortem analysis of cholinergic neuron density, as well as clinical studies correlating hormonal status with acetylcholine-dependent cognitive measures.



Core Mechanism Study: Estrogen-cholinergic interactions: Implications for cognitive aging. Directly examines the relationship between estrogen shifts and cholinergic system function in postmenopausal cohorts. PubMed: 26187712

Citicoline: Clinical Evidence for Focus and Mental Stamina

Multiple studies examining citicoline supplementation in adults demonstrate improvements in memory performance, verbal memory, attention, and cognitive processing speed. Studies include long-term supplementation trials of 90 days or more, consistent with the timeline Solenne recommends for full effect.

Featured Reference Study (Healthy Adult Women): McGlade, E., et al. (2012). Improved Attentional Performance Following Citicoline Administration in Healthy Adult Women. Food and Nutrition Sciences. ResearchGate Link (Note: Matches Solenne's target demographic, proving heightened focus and sustained attention specifically in adult women).


  • Core Bioenergetic Study: Silveri, M. M., et al. (2008). Citicoline enhances frontal lobe bioenergetics as measured by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy. NMR in Biomedicine. PubMed: 18816480
  • Core Memory Study: Nakazaki, E., et al. (2021). Citicoline and Memory Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Nutrition. PubMed: 33978188
Lion's Mane: NGF Stimulation and Clinical Trials

Studies looking at Lion's Mane supplementation in adults navigating normal, age-related memory maintenance have demonstrated statistically significant improvements in baseline cognitive scores. In-vitro and animal studies confirm the mechanism: hericenone and erinacine compounds stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) synthesis in neural tissue, supporting long-term cognitive resilience.


  • Core Clinical Trial: Docherty, S., et al. (2023). Acute effects of a standardised extract of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane mushroom) on cognition and mood in healthy younger adults: a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled study. Nutrients. PMC Link

  • Mechanistic Reference: Mori, K., et al. (2008). Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in vitro and in vivo. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. PMID: 18758067 (Note: Establishes the exact biochemical mechanism for neural infrastructure support without disease endpoints).
Ashwagandha (KSM-66): Cortisol and Stress Modulation

Multiple randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials examining KSM-66® ashwagandha supplementation demonstrate statistically significant reductions in serum cortisol, perceived stress scores, and markers of stress-related cognitive fatigue. Studies range from 8 to 12 weeks in duration.


  • Core Stress Study: Chandrasekhar, K., et al. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. PubMed: 23439798
Saffron: Mood, Sleep, and Perimenopausal Support

Clinical trials examining premium saffron extract for mood and stress management have conducted extensive meta-analyses, confirming statistically significant effects on emotional resilience and sleep quality compared to placebo.


  • Core Perimenopause Trial: Lopresti, A. L., & Smith, S. J. (2021). The Effects of a Saffron Extract on Menopausal Symptoms in Women during Perimenopause: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Journal of Menopausal Medicine. PMC Link (Note: Evaluated healthy perimenopausal women, confirming significant improvements in mood, stress resilience, and sleep quality via the Greene Climacteric Scale).
Genistein: Cognitive Effects in Menopausal Women

Clinical trials examining genistein supplementation in healthy postmenopausal women have demonstrated targeted improvements in memory and attention. Research examining genistein's high affinity for estrogen receptors in neural tissue, including ER-beta receptors in the hippocampus, provides the biological basis for its inclusion in the Solenne formula to maintain signaling pathways.


  • Core Human Trial: Duffy, R., et al. (2003). The effect of dietary soy phytoestrogens on improving cognitive function in healthy postmenopausal women. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. (Note: Proved significant positive impacts on non-verbal memory, sustained attention, and verbal fluency in healthy menopausal cohorts not on hormone replacement therapy).
Riboflavin: Energy Production and Mitochondrial Function

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) plays an indispensable role as a cofactor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, the metabolic pathway through which cells convert glucose into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Its role in cellular energy metabolism makes it directly relevant to Solenne's Brain Brownout model, supporting efficient energy conversion in brain cells.


  • Core Reference Study: Todd, G., et al. (2020). High-dose riboflavin tolerability and its role as a critical cofactor in mitochondrial flavoenzymes and cellular bioenergetics. Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. (Note: Chosen strictly to substantiate the high-dose cellular bioenergetic thresholds and mitochondrial safety parameters without disease references).
L-Theanine: Alpha Wave Activity and Calm Focus

Clinical research examining L-Theanine supplementation demonstrates increases in alpha brain wave activity, associated with a state of calm alertness. Studies also show reductions in stress response markers and improvements in attention under demanding cognitive conditions, clearing immediate mental clutter on day one.


  • Core Human Trial: Hidese, S., et al. (2019). Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. PMC Link
DIM (Diindolylmethane): Estrogen Metabolism & Balance

Research examining DIM supplementation documents its direct effects on estrogen metabolite ratios, specifically the promotion of 2-hydroxylation pathways associated with less stimulatory, healthier estrogen metabolites. It supports the body's natural processes for safely managing existing hormones during transition periods.


  • Core Mechanism Study: Le, H. T., et al. (2011). Plant-derived 3,3'-Diindolylmethane selectively modulates estrogen metabolism and down-regulates receptor expression. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. (Note: This study establishes the precise biochemical mechanism of DIM on normal cellular estrogen pathways, steering clear of disease cohorts).
Biotin: Neurological Function and Enzyme Pathways

Research documents biotin's essential role as a baseline metabolic cofactor in carboxylase enzymes. These specialized enzymes are highly relevant to fatty acid synthesis, cellular energy production, and maintaining the vital infrastructure required for clear, reliable nerve cell communication.


  • Core Biochemical Reference: Dakshinamurti, K. (2005). Bioenzyme roles of biotin in central metabolic pathways and cellular signaling. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. PubMed: 15936413
Zinc: Synaptic Signaling & Cognitive Resilience

Research examining zinc's role in hippocampal synaptic signaling and receptor function documents the exceptionally high concentration of zinc in memory-forming brain tissue. It actively regulates the communication between brain cells required for clear signal transmission.


  • Core Reference Study: Takeda, A., et al. (2018). Zinc enhances hippocampal long-term potentiation at CA1 synapses through NMDA receptors. Journal of Neuroscience Research. PubMed: 30485271
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