Neural effects of hormone therapy: Resting-state EEG complexity and spectral differences in menopause
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17627/ALKPSZICH.2025.4.67Keywords:
menopause, hormone therapy, EEG, multiscale entropy, spectral analysisAbstract
Background and Objectives: While numerous studies support the neuroprotective effects of hormone therapy (HT), the underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. The aim of our study was to examine how hormone therapy influences the dynamics of resting-state brain activity and cognitive functioning in postmenopausal women.
Methods: Twenty-five postmenopausal women participated in the study, of whom 10 received hormone therapy (HT+, mean age = 52.40 ± 2.59 years) and 15 did not (HT–, mean age = 52.47 ± 3.15 years). Resting-state EEG signal complexity was assessed using Multiscale Entropy (MSE) analysis, and oscillatory activity was examined via Spectral Power Density (SPD) analysis. Cognitive performance was evaluated with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV).
Results: Compared to the HT– group, the HT+ group showed higher MSE values at short and medium time scales, lower delta power, and higher frontal beta and gamma power. The HT+ group also performed better on several WAIS-IV subtests, and EEG measures positively correlated with IQ and scores on subtests involving frontal functions.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that hormone therapy promotes adaptive and flexible neural functioning, reflected in increased local neural complexity and enhanced frontal activity.These effects may contribute to mitigating cognitive difficulties associated with menopause and support successful cognitive aging.
