Health
Hormone Therapy Linked to Memory Boost in Menopause
Health Points
- Hormone therapy linked to improved scores on certain memory tests in postmenopausal women.
- Different forms, like transdermal patches and pills, may benefit different areas of memory.
- The research is observational and does not prove hormone therapy prevents dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Struggling with brain fog during menopause is a common concern, but new research offers some encouraging news. A recent study found that hormone therapy may be associated with better memory test scores in women after menopause.
The study examined over 7,000 women, focusing on the impact of estradiol-based hormone therapy, and uncovered that different forms of therapy had distinct cognitive effects. Transdermal estradiol appeared to help episodic memory, while pill forms were tied to better scores for prospective memory, though neither improved planning and problem-solving skills.
“There are currently no recommendations to use hormone therapy for cognitive issues, even though brain fog is frequently a reported symptom during the menopausal transition and beyond,” says Dr. Liisa Galea, one of the study’s authors.
Experts emphasize these results do not mean hormone therapy prevents dementia or Alzheimer’s. “While these studies looking at hormone levels and memory loss are interesting, they are not convincing and don’t prove that hormone therapies are neuroprotective, or will prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s dementia or vascular dementia,” says Dr. Clifford Segil, a neurologist.
There may be other factors at play behind the memory boost—better sleep due to reduced menopausal symptoms could be one. “As many women will tell you, sleep deprivation isn’t really helpful for good cognitive function. I have always thought that giving women a decent night’s sleep can make a big difference,” says Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, an expert in women’s health.
The study had some limitations, including a lack of diversity and not tracking the length or dose of hormone therapy. Researchers agree that more follow-up is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of hormone therapy on brain health.
Looking for more science-backed health updates for women in midlife? Stay tuned for the latest news on how to thrive as you age!
