How might the timing of hormone therapy influence long-term brain health?

The timing of hormone therapy (HT), especially estrogen therapy, plays a crucial role in influencing long-term brain health. Here at Alloy, we want you to have the clearest, most up-to-date information:

There is a "window of opportunity" for starting hormone therapy that appears to offer the most benefit for brain health. The best time to start is within 10 years of your last menstrual period or before age 60. Starting HT during this period is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and may help preserve cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.
Starting hormone therapy later in life (after age 65 or more than 10 years post-menopause) does not provide the same protective benefits for the brain. By that time, the brain's estrogen receptors are less responsive, and the underlying changes associated with dementia may already be underway.
If you are already on hormone therapy and doing well, there is no arbitrary age at which you must stop. You can continue as long as you and your healthcare provider agree it is right for you.
For women who are symptomatic well into their 60s or 70s, hormone therapy can still be considered for symptom relief, but it is less likely to impact long-term brain health or dementia risk at that stage.

For a deeper dive into the science and expert discussion, check out these resources:

Watch Dr. Corinne Menn explain the timing hypothesis and the "window of opportunity" for hormone therapy in this YouTube chapter: The Timing Hypothesis: Window of Opportunity
Dr. Darwana Ratleff Todd discusses the nuances of timing and cognitive health in this YouTube chapter: Timing and Nuances of Hormone Therapy
Dr. Sharon Malone and Dr. Kudzai Dombo talk about timing and duration of hormone therapy here: Timing and Duration of Hormone Therapy

If you want to learn more about Alloy’s evidence-based, FDA-approved hormone therapy options, visit our menopausal solutions page or take the Alloy Assessment to get a personalized plan.

At Alloy, we’re here to help you make informed, empowered decisions about your brain and overall health during menopause and beyond!

This answer was created using the following resources: