Birth Control and Hormone Therapy May Leave a Lasting Mark on Women's Brains
Based on: Lifespan Exposure to Hormone Therapies and Structural Brain Morphometry in Older Women.
In women aged 65 to 80, those who had used birth control pills earlier in life had more gray matter in several brain regions. Combining birth control with menopausal hormone therapy was linked to even greater volume and thicker cortex. Later menopause, meaning more natural hormone exposure, also tracked with healthier brain structure. Timing of hormone exposure may matter for long-term brain aging.
Key Insight
This study suggests lifetime hormone exposure may shape brain aging, though it cannot prove cause and effect.
Original Paper
Honea RA, Watts A, Donofry SD, Molina-Hidalgo C, Ripperger HS, Aghjayan SL, Kang C, Gujral S, Oberlin LE, Grove G, Huang H, Sutton BP, Burns JM, Vidoni ED, Kramer AF, McAuley E, Hillman CH, Marsland AL, Kamboh MI, Erickson KI
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Several authors consult for or receive research funding from pharmaceutical companies including Eli Lilly, Roche, and Eisai. The remaining authors report no conflicts.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.