Hormone Replacement Therapy Improves Mental Health

Studies show a greater performance in cognitive tests among the aged women using hormone replacement therapy than the one who don’t.

Memory decline is a common symptom of menopause and many experts believe that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may defend post-menopausal women against memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. Memory loss occurs when there is a rapid change (or rapid decline) of hormones among women during menopause, and replacing or enhancing these lost hormones through Hormone Replacement Therapy may work surprisingly well in retaining memory and mental health.

Memory is basically affected when the body discontinues producing a special kind of hormone called “estrogen”, and this decline is usually the cause of memory loss. According to one issue printed in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, HRT works by restoring these hormones to a balanced level.

On the contrary, these are also some studies which underline the risks involved in HRT. For example, the writings published in the journal Neurology suggests that HRT may not be as protective as it is deemed to be and may even lead to an increase of dementia among the older women.

HRT is extremely effective for other menopausal symptoms like severe hot flashes, sleep disorders, mood swings and vaginal dryness. But to use HRT alone for the sake of protecting against dementia needs proper consultation from the doctors. Moreover, women should be careful when using HRT for menopausal reasons and if the condition is severe, try using it in low doses and for the shortest possible time period.