Patches vs. pills: New findings on hormone therapy and brain function

Researchers tracked 7,251 postmenopausal women and found that estrogen patches improve different memory functions than pills.

 

How you take estrogen changes which memories improve How postmenopausal women receive hormone therapy affects which type of memory improves, according to new research that tracked over 7,000 women in Canada. Those who used estrogen patches or gels showed better recall of past experiences, while women taking pills were better able to remember future tasks, such as appointments or medication schedules. The distinction matters because estrogen taken orally undergoes chemical breakdown in the liver, converting to a less potent form, estrone. "Estrone is not as effective at interacting with the estrogen receptor," explains study author Liisa Galea, PhD, from Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. In contrast, patches and gels bypass the liver entirely, delivering more potent estradiol directly into the bloodstream. Among the 6% of women using hormone therapy, researchers observed another striking pattern: Earlier menopause correlated with reduced performance across all cognitive measures. Women who entered menopause before age 50 showed more memory challenges than those with a later onset. This suggests that the timing of both menopause and treatment initiation may be as crucial as the delivery method itself. For more on what this research means for choosing hormone therapy and why researchers recommend consulting your doctor first, jump to "Memory after menopause: Type of hormone therapy may make a difference." Also making headlines this week: 🩸 COVID ages blood vessels faster in women than men ☕ 3 to 5 cups of coffee daily reduces diabetes and heart disease risk 🥦 Broccoli and Brussels sprouts cut colon cancer risk We love to hear from you, so please email us if you have any feedback, comments, or questions about this weekend's Sunday Supplement. Stay informed and stay healthy! Tim Snaith Newsletter Editor, Medical News Today

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