What long-term data supports the use of ET for cognition in women?

The long-term data that supports the use of estrogen therapy (ET) for cognition in women comes from extensive studies, specifically the 18-year cumulative follow-up data from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). This data provides robust evidence regarding the cognitive effects of estrogen therapy over a significant duration, examining a population of women over the course of many years. Such comprehensive follow-up data is crucial in assessing not only the immediate but also the long-term consequences of estrogen therapy on cognitive health, including memory and cognitive function.

In contrast, short-term placebo studies might offer limited insight as they typically involve a shorter duration of observation and may not capture the prolonged effects of estrogen therapy on cognition. Meta-analyses of diet studies would focus on nutritional impacts rather than the specific effects of hormone therapy on cognition. Lastly, surveys of women in menopause may collect subjective experiences but do not provide the rigorous, systematic data that long-term follow-up studies such as those from WHI can offer. Therefore, the strong methodological foundation and extended follow-up in the WHI data make it the most credible source supporting the cognitive benefits of estrogen therapy.