Longer Reproductive Lifespan May Improve Brain Health
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com.
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, Sept. 28, 2023 -- Women with prolonged exposure to endogenous hormones have a smaller burden of cerebral small vessel disease, according to a study published online Sept. 27 in Neurology.
Samantha Cote, from the Université de Sherbrooke in Canada, and colleagues examined the association between lifetime hormone exposure and cerebral small vessel disease among postmenopausal women (aged 40 to 69 years) from the U.K. Biobank. The analysis included 9,163 women (age, 64.21 ± 6.81 years).
The researchers found that the average endogenous lifetime hormone exposure (LHEEndo), estimated by summing the number of years pregnant (LHEparity) with the duration of the reproductive period (LHECycle = age menopause − age menarche) was 39.77 ± 3.59 years. Smaller white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) was seen for women with higher LHEEndo. LHEparity and LHECycle contributed independently to WMHV. There was no association seen for exogenous lifetime hormone exposure, estimated by summing the number of years on oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, with WMHV.
"Our study highlights the critical role of reproductive history in shaping the female brain across the lifetime," coauthor Kevin Whittingstall, Ph.D., also from the Université de Sherbrooke said in a statement. "These results emphasize the need to integrate reproductive history into managing brain health in postmenopausal women. Future research should investigate ways to develop better hormonal therapies."
One author disclosed ties to Imeka.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted September 2023
Read this next
Higher Olive Oil Intake Tied to Lower Risk for Dementia-Related Death
WEDNESDAY, May 8, 2024 -- Higher olive oil intake is associated with a lower risk for dementia-related mortality in U.S. adults, according to a study published online May 6...
Benefit of Thick Liquids in Alzheimer Disease and Dysphagia Unclear
MONDAY, May 6, 2024 -- For hospitalized patients with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) and dysphagia, those receiving thick liquids are less likely to be intubated...
Overall Cancer Risk Not Increased for Children Born After Assisted Reproduction
FRIDAY, May 3, 2024 -- The overall risk for cancer is not increased for children born after medically assisted reproduction (MAR), according to a study published online May 2 in...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.