Different Types of Hormone Therapy Affect Memory in Postmenopausal Women, Study Shows
A new study reveals that the type of estradiol-based hormone therapy used during menopause can influence different types of memory in women, highlighting the importance of personalized hormone treatment for brain health.
A recent study published on August 27, 2025, in the journal Neurology highlights that the specific type of estradiol-based hormone therapy used during and after menopause can influence different aspects of memory in women. The research analyzed data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging, involving 7,251 postmenopausal women with an average age of 61. They were asked about their hormone therapy use, which included transdermal options like patches or gels, pills, and other forms.
The findings indicated that women using transdermal estrogen therapies such as patches or gels exhibited improved episodic memory, which involves recalling past experiences. Conversely, those taking oral estrogen pills demonstrated better prospective memory, the ability to remember to perform future tasks. However, there was no significant association between hormone therapy type and executive function, which involves planning and problem-solving.
While these associations do not establish causation, the results suggest that hormone therapy, particularly its form, may play a role in cognitive functioning during menopause. Dr. Liisa A. M. Galea, the study’s lead author, emphasized that understanding these differences could help tailor hormone therapy choices to support brain health.
The study also found that earlier menopause was linked to lower memory and thinking scores, especially in individuals with multiple children or at genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Participants predominantly identified as white and had higher incomes, which indicates a need for further research in diverse populations.
Overall, this research underscores the importance of considering the type of hormone therapy used by women post-menopause, as it may influence different memory domains. Further studies are required to explore how factors like dosage, duration, and timing of hormone therapy impact cognition.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-hormone-therapy-memory-menopause.html
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