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Menopause, which typically occurs around the age of 52, marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life. This transition is accompanied by a variety of symptoms that can significantly affect daily life. These include hot flashes, urinary incontinence, dry mucous membranes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and weight gain. Even a single symptom can cause discomfort, while multiple symptoms together can greatly diminish quality of life. Researchers at the University of Calgary, Canada, studied the relationship between multiple menopausal symptoms and the risk of adverse cognitive and behavioral changes.
The results were published in the journal PLOS One.
Impact of Menopausal Symptoms on Cognitive Disorder Risk
Women are known to have a three-fold greater risk to develop Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. The loss of estradiol (the most active hormone in the estrogen group) is one of the risk factors during menopause.
Researchers analyzed data from 896 postmenopausal women, with an average age of 64, most of them entered menopause around the age of 49. The scientists focused on how various menopausal symptoms, including forgetfulness, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, might precede cognitive and behavioral changes in the future.
The analysis revealed that women who experienced more intense or frequent symptoms during the perimenopausal phase were more likely to experience cognitive disturbances and mild behavioral dysfunctions in the future.
Women reporting a higher number of menopausal symptoms also exhibited more pronounced cognitive and behavioral issues. This suggests that the presence of multiple symptoms could be a stronger predictor of cognitive disorders than any single symptom.
Hormone Therapy for Cognitive Disorders
A key topic of the study is the use of hormone therapy (HT)—also known as menopausal hormone therapy—to alleviate symptoms. HT has proven effective in reducing symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances. Nevertheless its impact on brain health remains a subject of ongoing debate.
The study found that women undergoing hormone therapy had lower levels of negative behavioral changes. However, no significant effects on cognitive functions were observed. Previous research suggests that the timing of therapy plays a crucial role: starting HT as early as possible is essential.
Growing Need for Research and Early Intervention
The global number of women experiencing menopause continues to rise—by 2050, the estimated amount of women aged 50 and older will be over 1.65 billion worldwide. Therefore, the need for effective therapies is becoming increasingly urgent. Experts agree that early interventions, whether through hormone therapy or lifestyle changes, could be key to reducing the risk of cognitive disorders and dementia.
Professor Zahinoor Ismail, the lead author of the study from the University of Calgary, emphasized that maintaining vascular health and reducing inflammation caused by poor diet and environmental toxins, could also help lower dementia risk. Optimizing gut health and gut microbiome diversity contribute to brain health as well.
If we truly want to move the needle in prevention of disease, rather than chasing it, we must identify when intervention is needed. We begin to see these changes in women in the perimenopausal years. This would support early intervention.
Zahinoor Ismail, MD, of the University of Calgary
The authors are confident that women should receive personalized care that addresses their unique symptoms and needs. Further research is also necessary to fully understand the complex relationships between menopause and brain health.
According to gynecologist-endocrinologist and chief physician at the “Lior” Medical Center, Natalia Silina, early treatment, including hormone replacement therapy, is crucial for the course of the menopausal transition. Therefore, don’t delay. For more details and to schedule an appointment, you can call +380 73 200 6198 or reach us via Telegram.
We’ve gathered complete information on this important stage in a woman’s life in our Menopause Guide.
