This study tested a small group of women across three groups: pre-menopausal women, post-menopausal women not using hormone therapy, and post-menopausal women who were using hormone therapy. Cognitive performance was assessed using the "color-word" test, which measures mental speed and processing, alongside twice-daily saliva swabs to track cortisol levels. The results showed that post-menopausal women using hormone therapy had different scores on the cognitive test and different cortisol patterns compared to their peers who were not using hormone therapy.

This kind of research is fascinating when you consider the wide-ranging role hormones play throughout the body — including their association with how we think and feel. We've written before about the many ways progesterone is involved in the body's overall balance, and cortisol is another piece of that puzzle: when cortisol stays elevated over time, many women notice changes in how they feel mentally and physically. Understanding how hormones and overall wellbeing are connected is exactly why research like this matters.

Check out the science here:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378512206000338

This article is for educational and general wellness purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are noticing changes in your body or have questions about your health, please consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider.