A recent study published in JAMA Network Open highlights the potential benefits of hormone therapy (HT) for women during menopause, particularly in relation to slowing biological aging. The study, which analyzed data from over 100,000 women in the U.K., found that those who had used hormone replacement therapy appeared biologically younger than those who had not.
The effect was especially pronounced among women with lower socioeconomic status, leading researchers to suggest that promoting hormone therapy in postmenopausal women could be beneficial for healthy aging.
Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical expert from CBS News, emphasized the significance of the study during an interview, noting that it examined not just chronological age but also biological age, which is a more comprehensive indicator of overall health.
According to Gounder, the study’s findings extend beyond superficial signs of aging and suggest a potential reduction in mortality risk, particularly from cardiovascular diseases, for women undergoing hormone therapy.
The study’s findings also underscore the connection between socioeconomic factors and aging. Gounder pointed out that women of lower socioeconomic status may experience more significant benefits from hormone therapy due to the high levels of stress associated with financial instability, housing insecurity, and other chronic stressors. These stressors can accelerate biological aging, making hormone therapy potentially more impactful for these women.
This research comes at a time when public perceptions of hormone therapy are still influenced by older studies from two decades ago, which Gounder described as problematic due to flawed designs.
These earlier studies led to widespread hesitancy and misinformation regarding the safety and efficacy of hormone therapy, discouraging many women from considering it as a treatment option during menopause.
However, hormone therapy is not suitable for all women, particularly those with a history of breast cancer or blood clots. Gounder stressed the importance of individualized medical advice, as the decision to use hormone therapy depends on a variety of factors, including the woman’s health history and the timing of the therapy.
It remains crucial for women to consult with their doctors to weigh the benefits and risks before starting hormone therapy.
