Higher level of circulating estradiol is associated with lower frequency of cognitive impairment in Southeast China.

Background: Estrogen has been proved to have positive effects on the brain cognitive function. However, many clinical studies investigating the associations between cognitive functions and circulating estrogen levels in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women demonstrated controversial results.

Method: Circulating estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were obtained from 199 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women (mean age: 49.61 years). The cognitive function has been assessed using the Beijing version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.

Results: Results revealed that higher estradiol levels were associated with better cognitive function (p < 0.05) both in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women and levels of FSH were unrelated to cognitive performance.

Conclusions: In perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, higher levels of circulating estradiol are associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment.