What brain changes are linked to menopause?

Menopause is associated with reduced grey matter volume in key brain regions and increased anxiety and depression symptoms.

Does hormone replacement therapy help menopause brain effects?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) slows but does not completely prevent the brain changes associated with menopause.

How does menopause affect cognitive performance?

Post-menopausal women who are not using HRT show slower reaction times compared to pre-menopausal women and those using HRT.

Home / Health / Menopause Shrinks Brains, Fuels Anxiety: Study

Menopause Shrinks Brains, Fuels Anxiety: Study

8 Feb

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Summary

Menopause linked to reduced grey matter and increased anxiety.
Hormone therapy slows but doesn't prevent brain changes.
Post-menopausal women show slower reaction times without HRT.

Menopause Shrinks Brains, Fuels Anxiety: Study

New research from the University of Cambridge indicates that menopause can lead to significant changes in brain structure. The study found a reduction in grey matter volume in key brain regions, alongside an increase in anxiety and depression symptoms. These findings were published in Psychological Medicine.

While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) did not completely halt these effects, it was observed to slow the rate of cognitive decline. Post-menopausal women, particularly those not using HRT, demonstrated slower reaction times compared to pre-menopausal women and HRT users. The study utilized data from nearly 125,000 women in the UK Biobank.

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