A new study suggests the length of a woman’s reproductive lifespan may influence her risk of cognitive decline later in life. The research was published in the journal Menopause.
Researchers analyzed over 30 years of existing data, including information from more than 14,000 women. They focused on the connection between reproductive lifespan, which is the time from a woman’s first period to her menopause, and cognitive health.
The findings indicate that a longer reproductive lifespan is associated with better maintenance of cognitive abilities. During the reproductive years, women are exposed to the hormone estrogen. Levels of this hormone drop after menopause.
The study authors note that women tend to experience cognitive decline at a faster rate than men. This has led to scientific interest in estrogen’s potential role in brain health.
In contrast to the benefits linked to a longer natural reproductive span, the study found that hormone therapy did not show the same association with better cognitive performance.
Stephanie Faubion M.D., medical director for The Menopause Society, commented on the results. “This large observational study showed an association of longer reproductive span with better cognitive trajectories,” she said. “However, longer duration of hormone therapy use, either within or outside 10 years of menopause, was not associated with better global cognitive performance.”
Cognitive decline is an early sign of dementia, and women are disproportionately affected by dementia compared to men. The researchers say these findings highlight the need to better understand hormones’ role in long-term health.
The results also point to a need for exploring new approaches to help women preserve cognitive ability, since hormone therapy did not replicate the benefit of a longer reproductive lifespan.
While genetics heavily influence reproductive lifespan, lifestyle can play a part. Factors such as maintaining adequate vitamin D levels, which can support fertility, eating a healthy diet, and working on hormonal balance may have an effect.
The study is part of a growing body of research focused on women’s health, which has historically received less scientific attention than men’s health. This research aims to address sex-specific health issues women face as they age.
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