Memory and the perimenopausal woman: clinical implications of recent research findings

Abstract

Oestrogen is thought to have a role in cognitive function, specifically verbal memory. Despite the growing evidence that memory function may be preserved in older women and surgically menopausal women through the administration of oestrogen replacement therapy, the implications for perimenopausal women remain unclear. This paper overviews the literature in this area and suggests that there are insufficient grounds at present to conclude that memory is impaired during the menopausal transition. However, given the lack of information about cognitive function in the climacteric, a number of issues are presented which may be helpful to consider in assessing women during this period who may be experiencing memory difficulties. Some directions for future research are also considered.