According to findings from a new study, longer duration of endogenous estrogen exposure (EEE)may positively affect cognitive status in late life.

The new study from The Journal of North American Menopause Society (NAMS) examined a sample of 2,114 postmenopausal women over a 12-year period to explore the connection between EEE and cognitive function. The data revealed a positive correlation in the women’s cognitive function and longer duration of EEE. The findings from this study also suggested a positive association between longer duration of hormone therapy most significantly when started within 5 years of menopause.
The NAMS medical director, Dr. Stephanie Faubion, describes the study: “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. 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.”
This study may reveal beneficial findings for nurses and other healthcare providers to consider when caring for postmenopausal patients.
Please read a statement from NAMS here, and more about the study here.
Sources:
https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Abstract/publishahead/Lifetime_estrogen_exposure_and_cognition_in_late.97295.aspx
https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/press-release/estrogen-exposure-and-cognition-10-16-19.pdf