UK Study Links HRT at 46-56 to 10% Lower Dementia Risk
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 2
UK Study Links HRT at 46-56 to 10% Lower Dementia Risk
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 2
Summary
183,450 postmenopausal women in the UK Biobank were tracked for 13 years, with HRT use tied to about 10% lower all-cause dementia risk and 16% lower Alzheimer’s risk.
The association was strongest in women who began HRT between ages 46 and 56 and in those who had surgical menopause; starting after 56 showed no reduced dementia risk.
Researchers and outside physicians said the study was observational, so it cannot prove HRT prevents dementia, and users may differ from non-users in health, lifestyle or healthcare access.
Safety questions also remain unresolved because the study did not assess adverse events, HRT type, dose or delivery method, even as known risks can vary across oral and transdermal treatments.
The UK team plans randomized controlled trials to test whether HRT truly lowers dementia risk and which regimens, timing and patient groups benefit most.