A recent study published on August 27, 2025, in Neurology explored how different forms of estradiol hormone therapy might affect memory in postmenopausal women. Researchers looked at over 7,200 women, average age 61, who were part of the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging. This research adds to a growing conversation about the impact of hormone therapy on cognitive health.
The study found that women using hormone patches or gels generally performed better on tests of episodic memory, which involves recalling past events. On the other hand, those taking hormone pills excelled in prospective memory—the ability to remember to do tasks in the future. However, it’s important to note that the study showed associations, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Dr. Liisa A. M. Galea, a researcher from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, highlighted the significance of these findings. She remarked, “The type of estradiol therapy matters, with different forms linked to different types of memory.” This underscores the need for personalized approaches to hormone therapy, particularly regarding brain health after menopause.
The researchers adjusted for various factors like age, education, and heart health risks. They discovered that earlier menopause is linked to lower memory scores across the board. Interestingly, among women with four or more children and those carrying the APOE ε4 gene (which can increase Alzheimer’s risk), executive function was notably affected.
Notably, only 4% of participants used transdermal estradiol (delivered through the skin in patch, gel, or ring form), while 2% took it as pills. The remaining 94% did not use any hormone therapy at all. Despite the positive associations with certain types of therapy, no significant differences were found in executive function across the board.
This study did have limitations, primarily that most participants were white and had higher incomes, suggesting that results might vary among other racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic groups. Additionally, the study did not explore how factors like dosage, duration, or timing of hormone therapy could impact cognitive outcomes.
The conversation about hormone therapy and menopause is ongoing. More research is essential to understand how these treatments can be tailored to benefit women’s cognitive health. For those interested, further details can be found in the study published by the American Academy of Neurology, along with the complete journal reference available here.
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Hormone, Menopause, Alzheimer's Disease, Brain, Children, Estradiol, Gene, Neurology
