Estrogen, a vital female sex hormone, plays a pivotal role in regulating the menstrual cycle and is essential for women’s development and reproduction. Apart from influencing gender characteristics and sexual behavior, estrogen has several other effects on the body. It helps protect against cardiovascular diseases, strengthens bones, and regulates brain temperature. During menopause, when estrogen production declines, women experience changes that extend beyond the cessation of menstruation. The risk of cardiovascular diseases and bone fractures increases, and women may also experience fluctuations in temperature regulation, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and memory issues.
Researchers are continually exploring new roles for estrogen in the body. Recent studies have shown that women have a higher risk of memory disorders compared to men, leading researchers to investigate the potential link between estrogen and memory disorders. A study from University College London suggests that estrogen may play a protective role in preventing memory disorders. Early onset of menstruation and later menopause may reduce the risk of dementia in women. The duration of exposure to estrogen throughout a woman’s life, including fertile years and hormone replacement therapy, may impact the risk of dementia.
While some studies have found a protective effect of estrogen on memory disorders, others have contradictory results. Large datasets used in studies have various confounding factors, making it challenging to establish a clear connection between estrogen and dementia. Menopause timing and hormone replacement therapy may also impact the risk of memory disorders; however, the relationship is complex and influenced by multiple factors.
Women considering hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms should weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully before making a decision. Hormone therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer, venous thrombosis, cerebral infarction in some cases but can also reduce the risk of heart events, bone fractures bowel cancers diabetes. The decision to start hormone therapy should be individualized based on a woman’s risk factors and health history while taking into consideration that estrogen may provide protective effects on vascular dementia but not necessarily Alzheimer’s disease.
In conclusion, while research continues to uncover new roles for estrogen in the body beyond its well-established functions related to reproductive health
