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New research is strengthening past considerations on the effectiveness of estrogen in improving cognitive function.
In the study, published in Menopause, researchers turned to over 2,000 postmenopausal women to better comprehend the correlation between estrogen and cognitive decline, as highlighted in previous findings.
The study lasted for a period of 12 years, according to researchers.
Researchers considered the use of hormone therapy, number of pregnancies, and duration of breastfeeding, among other factors, during their assessment of the participant’s duration of exposure to estrogen.
Among the participants, the findings demonstrated improved cognitive function during a longer duration of estrogen exposure. Additionally, with hormone therapy, the beneficiary effects improved cognitive health even further, the findings indicated.
“Although the assessment of the risk-to-benefit balance of hormone therapy use is complicated and must be individualized, this study provides additional evidence for beneficial cognitive effects of hormone therapy, particularly when initiated early after menopause,” said Stephanie Faubion, Director of The North American Menopause Society.
“This study also underscores the potential adverse effects of early estrogen deprivation on cognitive health in the setting of premature or early menopause without adequate estrogen replacement.”