A new study has found that hormone therapy taken during perimenopausal years can slow down the aging process during menopause without increasing the risk of mortality. The study revealed that women who received hormone replacement therapy during perimenopause aged more slowly than those who did not. The positive effects of hormone therapy were most significant in women of lower socioeconomic status, effectively leveling out their mortality risk with women in higher-income categories. However, hormone therapy started well into menopause was found to carry increased risks of stroke, cancer, and dementia.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from 117,763 postmenopausal women registered in the UK Biobank. Of these, 40.3% had used hormone therapy at some point in their lives and exhibited fewer signs of aging compared to women who had not used it. The strongest anti-aging effect was seen in women who started hormone therapy at age 48.4 years and used it for four to eight years. Interestingly, women of lower socioeconomic status benefited most from hormone therapy, while the effect was less pronounced in women of higher incomes, who tended to age more slowly regardless of using hormone therapy.
Phenotypic aging, which takes into account various biological markers to measure the aging process, was used to assess aging in the study cohort. The research highlighted the importance of hormone therapy during perimenopause, which is the period leading up to the absence of eggs and the cessation of menses. Women in this stage may experience irregular periods and varying estrogen production, which can lead to symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Hormone therapy during perimenopause aims to make this transition smoother for women.
In women under 40 or those experiencing premature menopause, hormone therapy may be recommended to alleviate symptoms associated with this condition. The study also found that historical hormone therapy use was more strongly linked to reduced aging discrepancies among women with lower socioeconomic status. While the study suggested that hormone therapy could help offset mortality risks associated with aging, caution must be exercised in interpreting causation. The findings indicated that women with higher socioeconomic status may not benefit as much from hormone therapy due to their advantageous position regarding various health aspects.
Hormone replacement therapy after menopause, which aims to replace hormones that are no longer produced by the ovaries, can have benefits for bone health, heart health, and cognitive function. However, it is essential to monitor lipid levels and undergo regular mammograms to manage potential risks such as heart issues and breast cancer. Experts emphasize the importance of physical activity as a safer way to promote bone, heart, and cognitive health compared to medications. The skin and vaginal mucosa are also positively affected by hormone replacement therapy, as estrogen receptors play a role in maintaining their appearance.
While the safety and value of hormone therapy have been debated, recent research suggests that timing is crucial. Hormone therapy during perimenopause may offer benefits for women experiencing menopausal symptoms and aging effects. However, starting hormone therapy later in menopause carries definite risks and should be approached with caution. The re-analysis of previous studies has shed light on the potential benefits of hormone therapy during perimenopause, emphasizing the importance of considering timing and individual factors when considering hormone therapy for menopausal women.
