What is the overall effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on cognition?

The overall effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on cognition is generally considered to be small or no overall effect. Research has shown that while some women might experience improvements in specific cognitive aspects, such as verbal memory or mood, these benefits are often modest and not universally observed across all individuals.

Additionally, HRT does not seem to provide significant cognitive enhancements that would warrant its use primarily for cognitive purposes. It’s important to recognize that the outcomes can vary widely depending on numerous factors, including the timing of initiation relative to menopause onset, the specific formulation of HRT used, and individual differences among women.

Most studies indicate that while the relationship between HRT and cognitive function continues to be a subject of investigation, the consensus leans towards the conclusion that HRT has a negligible impact on overall cognitive decline or enhancement in populations as a whole. This highlights the complexity surrounding HRT and cognition, indicating that while HRT might affect some cognitive domains, the overall effect remains limited.