Estrogen (E2) is a key regulator of vascular responses and angioadaptation in multiple organs and tissues including brain. However, the consequences of a loss of ovarian steroid hormone secretion on the status of microvascular networks in brain and meninges are largely unknown. Here, using the perfused dura mater model coupled with high-resolution digital epifluorescence and laser scanning confocal microscopy and computer-assisted morphometric analysis, we demonstrate that cessation of ovarian hormone production causes dramatic vascular remodeling in meningeal microvascular networks characterized by a 3-fold decrease in microvessel density, capillary rarefaction, and almost 4-fold increase in vascular permeability. These changes were accompanied by a significant decrease in Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) expression and Ang-1/Tie-2 ratio (1.4-fold, p<0.01; and 1.5-fold, p<0.05 respectively) in ovariectomized animals compared to intact females, but no changes were detected in the expression of estrogen receptors (ER) and . We conclude that estrogen-dependent control of Ang-1 expression plays an important role in stabilizing meningeal microvessel and maintaining healthy microvascular networks.