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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause

Published on: August 13, 2019

Hormone replacement therapy for cognitive function in postmenopausal women.

A Lethaby¹, E Hogervorst, M Richards

¹University of Auckland, O&G FMHS, Grafton Rd, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand, 1142. a.lethaby@auckland.ac.nz

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

|February 7, 2008

Summary

Hormone replacement therapy (ERT or HRT) does not prevent cognitive decline in postmenopausal women. Studies show no significant benefits and potential adverse effects on cognitive function over time.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 7, 2026

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause

Published on: August 13, 2019

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Endocrinology
Gerontology

Background:

Estrogens play a role in maintaining brain structures, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects.
Maintaining high estrogen levels in postmenopausal women via medication may offer protection against cognitive decline.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the impact of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) versus placebo on cognitive function in postmenopausal women.
To analyze the effects of ERT and HRT on cognitive decline in postmenopausal women through randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Main Methods:

Systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Searched multiple databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL up to March 2006.
Included RCTs with a treatment duration of at least two weeks in postmenopausal women.

Main Results:

Meta-analyses of 16 trials (10,114 women) showed no significant effect of ERT or HRT in preventing cognitive impairment.
Both ERT and HRT did not maintain or improve cognitive function over time and may have adverse effects, particularly ERT after one year and HRT after three to four years.
Smaller trials focusing on individual cognitive domains generally reported no evidence of benefit.

Conclusions:

ERT and HRT do not prevent cognitive decline in older postmenopausal women, even with long-term therapy (up to five years).
Evidence is insufficient to determine if specific types of ERT/HRT benefit subgroups of women; combined therapy may negatively impact verbal memory.
Current evidence does not support the recommendation of ERT or HRT for cognitive improvement or maintenance in older postmenopausal women without cognitive impairment.