New Study Finds Hormone Replacement Therapy May Protect Female Brain from Alzheimer’s and Dementia
A recent meta-analysis conducted by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may protect the female brain from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The study found that if hormones are taken in the 40s and 50s when menopausal symptoms begin, there is a potential protective effect. However, the report also highlights that the degree of protection may vary depending on the type of hormone used.
The study emphasizes the importance of the timing of hormone replacement therapy, stating that starting it soon after the onset of menopausal symptoms provides the brain with a higher chance of being protected. The analysis reveals that if hormones are taken for more than 10 years while in menopause, there is a 26% reduced risk of dementia.
However, the study also warns against starting estrogen-progesterone therapy after the age of 65 or more than 10 years after the start of menopause, as it may increase the risk of dementia. The research suggests that hormone replacement therapy should be taken at the right dose and for the right duration of time, especially for women with a genetic variant known as APOE4, which is present in around 25% of the population.
The type of hormones prescribed also matters. Estrogen-only hormone therapy can be prescribed if a woman has had a hysterectomy. However, for women with an intact uterus, a combination of estrogen and progesterone is recommended to avoid the risk of uterine cancer. The study shows that both types of hormones provide brain protection for women in their 40s, 50s, and early 60s.
Estrogen is believed to protect the brain by regulating cellular energy, supporting plasticity, and acting as an antioxidant. The study also found that estrogen-only therapy in midlife reduces the risk of dementia by 32%, while estrogen and progesterone therapy provides a 23% risk reduction compared to no hormone therapy.
While hormone replacement therapy may be beneficial for brain health, the study suggests that synthetic progesterone might have negative effects, while bioidentical progesterone may be safer. Experts advise women to discuss their hormonal symptoms with menopause specialists, as each woman’s situation may be unique and require an individualized approach.
Researchers are also developing a new generation of hormone replacement therapy called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), which specifically target the brain, making them safer for menopausal women. These SERMs aim to deliver the benefits of estrogen without impacting reproductive organs and raising the risk of cancer.
In the meantime, women should consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action for their brain health, taking into account factors such as family history, heart conditions, and clotting disorders. For those who are not candidates for hormone replacement therapy, there are nonhormonal options available to consider.