Published on: Jun 09, 2025
A new study suggests that the number of years a woman spends in her reproductive phase—between her first menstruation and menopause—may influence how her brain ages later in life.
Researchers analyzed brain scans from over 1,000 postmenopausal women and discovered that those who had an earlier onset of menstruation, experienced menopause at a later age, or had a longer reproductive span exhibited signs of slower brain aging.
These findings support the idea that estradiol—the most potent and prevalent form of estrogen during a woman’s reproductive years—may play a protective role in brain aging, says Associate Professor Eileen Lueders from the University of Auckland’s School of Psychology, the study's lead author.
The study highlights the potential of hormone-based interventions, such as estrogen therapy around the time of menopause, in reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Estradiol levels typically rise at puberty, remain elevated during the reproductive years, and decline sharply during menopause. This decline has been associated with an increased risk of dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions. Previous animal studies have shown that estradiol may support neuroplasticity, reduce inflammation, and enhance communication between brain cells.
While the findings contribute to the growing body of research linking estradiol to brain health, Lueders emphasizes that the effects observed were modest, and hormone levels were not directly measured. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health also play significant roles in cognitive aging.
The study, published in the journal GigaScience, involved collaborators including Professor Christian Gaser, Dr. Claudia Bath, and Professor Inger Sundström Poromaa from institutions in Germany, Norway, and Sweden. The brain imaging data was sourced from the UK Biobank, which skews toward healthier, socioeconomically advantaged, and predominantly white participants.
Lueders hopes future research will include more diverse populations and direct hormone measurements to better understand the complex relationship between reproductive lifespan and brain health in women.
It’s encouraging to see research that explores how a woman’s reproductive history may influence her brain health later in life,” says Alicja Nowacka, a PhD candidate at the University of Auckland. As more women consider hormone therapy during menopause, studies like this spark meaningful dialogue and pave the way for more inclusive, women-focused research in cognitive aging.
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