Distinct cognitive effects of estrogen and progesterone in menopausal women

The cognitive effects of postmenopausal hormone treatment have remained controversial in recent years, and as a result, hormones are less commonly prescribed for complaints of memory loss. However, hormones are still commonly prescribed on and off-label for non-cognitive indications, and some hormone formulations may impart a cognitive benefit for some women. There is emerging evidence that progestins and progesterone do not equivalently influence neurobiological mechanisms of cognitive function, and that progesterone is likely to be more beneficial and carry fewer risks than its synthetic counterparts(Fischer et al., 2014; Jodhka et al., 2009; Maki, 2012; Singh and Su, 2013a).
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research