Recent research offers reassuring news for women considering menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) for symptom relief. A study published in PLOS Medicine found that short-term MHT initiated during early postmenopause has no lasting positive or negative impact on cognitive health.
This study sheds light on how short-term menopausal hormone therapy can safely help women manage their symptoms without compromising cognitive health. Here are the key takeaways:
Key Findings from the Study
- Study Design: The KEEPS Continuation Study followed 326 women approximately a decade after participating in the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS).
- Participants: Initially, 662 healthy women aged 42-58, within three years of menopause onset, were assigned to either oral conjugated equine estrogen, transdermal 17β-estradiol, or a placebo for four years.
- Results: No significant differences in long-term cognitive function were observed between the hormone therapy and placebo groups.
What This Means for Women
- Reassurance About Cognitive Safety: Short-term menopausal hormone therapy used during early menopause for symptom management is unlikely to harm long-term cognitive health.
- No Cognitive Benefits: While safe, MHT does not improve memory or other cognitive functions, so it shouldn’t be considered for cognitive enhancement.
- Timing Matters: Earlier studies had linked hormone therapy after age 65 to a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. This research highlights the importance of starting MHT during early menopause.
Why It Matters
- Symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances often accompany hormonal changes during menopause.
- Decisions about MHT are often complicated by concerns about potential risks, particularly cognitive health.
Considering MHT? Key Takeaways
- Discuss MHT options with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for symptom relief.
- Understand that while MHT is safe for cognitive health, its benefits are primarily focused on relieving menopausal symptoms, not enhancing cognition.
- Early intervention (short-term use in early postmenopause) minimises risks.
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