Memory loss linked to lower estrogen levels

A recent Montreal study suggests that lower levels of estrogen can lead to memory loss and mood swings.  Barbara Sherwin, a psychologist at McGill University conducted a study which investigated the link between estrogen and memory.  "We wanted to see whether estrogen could protect against the decline in working memory" she says.  The study measured cognitive behavior before and after artificially induced menopause in healthy young women.

Results of the study showed that estrogen is crucial in maintaining certain types of memory in women.  "We found asignificant decrease on their scores that we were able to attribute to estrogen levels."  The researchers ran several tests, before menopause was induced and weeks afterwards when hormone levels had reached post-menopausal levels.  The results showed that performance scores of the newly menopausal women had declined.  "That tells us working memory is a function that decreases with normal aging, and women who take estrogen around the time of menopause will be somewhat protected."

Women also said that they felt moody and sad.  However, some researchers aren't convinced that this is all due to estrogen.  Sudden onset of menopause could cause stress, lack of sleep, hot flashes, and mood swings.  All these symptoms could cause a deficit in working memory.


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