Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
The effect of hormone replacement therapy on cognitive function in post-menopausal women
1Gaucher Clinic, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, One Bazak Road, Jerusalem 91031, Israel.
Background:
Despite interest in causes of dementia in older persons, particularly in post-menopausal women, it is unclear whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a risk factor.
Aim:
To assess cognitive function in post-menopausal women with high educational status receiving HRT, compared to non-users.
Design:
Cognitive functioning was assessed with in women aged 55-60 years with at least university-level education, using the Mindstreams system, a computerized cognitive battery with multiple domains.
Results:
Of 165 women meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 82 women (49.7%) declined participation. Of the remaining 83, 40 (48.2%) had never received HRT; the remainder was divided into women receiving 5-9 years HRT (n = 29)versus those with >or=10 years HRT (n = 11). There were no statistically significant differences between HRT users and non-users in global scores or sub-domains of cognitive functioning, and no difference between those women receiving HRT for 5-9 years vs. >or=10 years.
Discussions:
Long-term HRT does not appear to impair cognitive functioning in highly-educated women. Recommendations regarding post-menopausal HRT should be made on an individual basis.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Menopause
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:27Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.