The connection between birth control pills and brain health in old age

A new study in Neurology found a link between prolonged estrogen exposure and brain blood vessel health. Women who used birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy showed fewer signs of small vessel disease. The combination of both yielded the best results.

A new study published in the medical journal Neurology found a link between prolonged estrogen exposure and brain blood vessel health in old age. The study included 352 women aged 70 with no cognitive impairment at the start. Researchers examined the length of the reproductive period and the history of using birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Using MRI scans at ages 70 and 75, they found that women with a longer reproductive period were 8% less likely to have two or more signs of small vessel disease. Women who used hormone replacement therapy had a 59% lower risk of a high burden of the disease. The most significant finding was among women who combined birth control pills with menopausal hormone therapy, who showed the best blood vessel health. The researchers emphasize that this is an observational study that does not prove cause and effect, and that further studies are needed.