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Menopause Brain Fog Eased by New Hormone Therapy
1 Sep
Summary
- Hormone therapy combining estriol and progesterone improved cognitive function.
- Participants reported better memory, concentration, and processing speed.
- This pilot study's results need validation in larger clinical trials.
Menopausal women experiencing cognitive difficulties, often referred to as "brain fog," may find relief through hormone therapy, according to a recent pilot study. Researchers investigated a combination treatment of estriol and progesterone over a one-year period.
The 20 participants, with an average age of 53, reported notable enhancements in their ability to concentrate, process information, and recall verbal information. Their problem-solving skills also showed improvement following the therapy.
These findings were further supported by experiments with laboratory mice, which demonstrated that estriol could help protect brain cells and reduce shrinkage in the hippocampus, a key area for learning and memory.
Estriol, a natural form of estrogen found during pregnancy, targets a different brain receptor than estradiol, commonly used in the U.S. While not yet FDA-approved in the States, it is available as a compounded medication. Further extensive research, including larger trials with brain imaging, is planned.