Menopauza alatti hormonális változások hatása a kognitív képességekre

Abstract

Background and Aims: Hormonal changes occurring in midlife can influence neural functioning and may contribute to later cognitive decline. In Hungary, approximately 2.5 million women are affected by menopause-related changes; however, few studies have examined the cognitive functioning of this age group and the potential neuroprotective effects of hormone replacement therapy. The aim of our study was to explore differences in cognitive performance between 40–65-year-old men and women in different menopausal stages, as well as to investigate how mood, hormonal, and demographic factors influence cognitive outcomes.
Methods: The online study included five groups: premenopausal (N = 51), perimenopausal (N = 94), postmenopausal women without hormone replacement therapy (N = 99), with hormone replacement therapy (N = 23), and men (N = 20). After providing health-related information, participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the online CogProfile cognitive test battery.
Results: The perimenopausal stage appeared to be the most sensitive period, while after menopause, psychological variables tended to stabilize. Although no major differences were found in cognitive performance across menopausal stages, hormonal, psychological, and demographic factors all influenced the outcomes. Education emerged as a protective factor across several cognitive domains. Surgical menopause had a negative, while a longer reproductive lifespan had a positive effect on verbal processing. The effects of hormone replacement therapy were mixed, showing improvement in some functions and decline in others.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that menopause-related cognitive differences are influenced by a complex combination of factors. Future approaches should place increasing emphasis on individual differences and personalized interventions.