Hormone therapy might help women experiencing “brain fog” during menopause, a new small-scale study says.
Menopausal women struggling with memory lapses, trouble concentrating and slower thinking benefited from hormone therapy combining estriol and progesterone, researchers report today in the journal Scientific Reports.
“Estrogen plays a well-documented role in protecting the brain, yet there are still no approved type and dose of treatment that specifically targets the cognitive symptoms so many women experience during menopause,” said senior researcher Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl, a neurologist with the Comprehensive Menopause Center at UCLA Health.
“Women are often told to simply live with brain fog, when in fact there is a neuroscience basis for it, and potentially a way to address it,” Voskuhl said in a news release. “That gap in care is what motivated us to look more closely at estriol.”
What Is Estriol?
Estriol is a natural form of estrogen that occurs during pregnancy, researchers said in background notes. It has been used in Europe and Asia to treat menopause symptoms, and targets a different estrogen receptor in the brain than estradiol, the most common estrogen hormone therapy in the United States.
Currently, estriol is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is only available as a compounded medication in the United States.
Previous research has suggested that estriol might play a role in protecting brain cells and reducing shrinkage in the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for learning and memory.
Study Overview
For this pilot study, researchers followed 20 menopausal women with an average age of 53. The women received combination treatment with estriol and progesterone for one year to see how the therapy would affect their brain fog.
After the treatment, participants reported significant improvements in brain fog, concentration, working memory, processing speed, verbal memory and problem-solving, researchers said.
Experiments with female lab mice supported these results. When treated with estriol, the mice had less deterioration in the hippocampus and better brain performance on tests.
Researchers noted that this was a pilot study and that further research is needed before estriol’s benefits can be confirmed. Larger trials involving brain imaging and cognitive testing are the next step, the team said.
RELATED: Menopause in Black Women: The Clinical Realities We Can’t Ignore
What Is Menopause Brain Fog?
Menopause brain fog is a temporary, yet common condition that can cause forgetfulness, difficulty focusing, word-finding trouble, and mental fatigue. Hormone shifts, sleep troubles, stress, mood changes, and other medical conditions can drive the mental changes women experience during menopause.
There’s a common misconception that brain fog is a sign of dementia. While brain fog can be quite frustrating and disruptive, it doesn’t indicate early signs of cognitive impairment.
What This Could Mean for Black Women Experiencing Menopause
Menopause can look different for each person, especially for Black women. Studies have found differences in the timing and symptoms of the menopause transition across racial and ethnic groups. Some Black women may experience menopause-related symptoms that affect sleep, concentration, work, and daily responsibilities. They can also have an earlier onset of symptoms than white women and experience an overall longer transition period.
With this in mind, menopause symptoms should not be seen as simply part of aging or something that a person must endure. Having access to menopause specialists, culturally responsive care, and treatment options may influence how easily someone receives support.
Why Diverse Participation in Menopause Research Matters
In order for results like these to have a significant impact on those dealing with menopause brain fog, researchers need to ensure there’s involvement of diverse participants. The study doesn’t specify how many Black women were involved in the clinical trial, but given the disparities they face with this hormonal shift, they need to be included in future menopause research.
Having diversity in clinical trials can help researchers better understand whether treatments work similarly across populations. A promising result in a small study is a reason to continue researching, but it’s not proof that the treatment will work for everyone.
RELATED: Women’s Participation in Clinical Trials Remains Low
Final Thoughts
Menopause brain fog can affect a person’s memory, concentration, and everyday life, but more research is needed to fully understand the best ways to manage it. Early findings on estriol and progesterone suggest these hormones may help reduce symptoms, but they are not yet a proven treatment for everyone.
For Black women and other people experiencing menopause, access to accurate information, supportive healthcare, and research that reflects diverse communities matters.
If menopausal brain fog is disrupting your daily life, please speak with a healthcare provider about potential causes and treatment options.
More information
Harvard Medical School has more on hormone therapy for menopause.
SOURCE: UCLA, news release, Sept. 1, 2026