Dr. "Rhonda Voskoul," a neurologist at the University of Los Angeles, has studied the effects of combined hormone therapy including estriol and progesterone on menopausal women. Research shows that women suffering from memory and concentration disorders may benefit from this type of treatment.
The Role of Estrogen in Protecting the Brain
Dr. Voskoul emphasized that the role of estrogen in protecting the brain is well established. However, there is still no approved type and dosage of treatment specifically targeting the cognitive symptoms common during menopause. She added, "Women are often told to cope with brain fog, while in reality, there is a neurological basis for it, and likely a way to address it as well."
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Estriol and Its Effects on the Brain
Estriol is a type of natural estrogen produced during pregnancy and is used in Europe and Asia to treat menopausal symptoms. Researchers noted that estriol targets a different estrogen receptor in the brain compared to "estradiol." While estriol is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is only available as a combination drug.
Studies have shown that estriol may play a role in protecting brain cells and reducing the atrophy of the hippocampus — the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory. In this preliminary study, the status of 20 menopausal women with an average age of 53 was examined, and participants underwent combined treatment for one year.
After the treatment period, participants reported significant improvements in brain fog, concentration, working memory, information processing speed, verbal memory, and problem-solving ability. Additionally, tests conducted on female mice confirmed these results, with mice treated with estriol performing better in cognitive tests.
Researchers emphasized that this study was conducted on a small scale and that further research is needed to definitively confirm the benefits of estriol. The next step will involve larger trials including brain imaging and cognitive tests.
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