A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that hormone therapy can lower biological age in postmenopausal women by an average of 0.23 years.
Researchers used DNA methylation clocks to measure biological aging to assess the effects of hormone therapy on aging markers in the body. The findings suggest that the treatment, typically prescribed for menopausal symptoms, has the added benefit of slightly reversing biological aging.
The study followed postmenopausal women who were either undergoing hormone therapy or not. Those who received hormone therapy showed a minor yet measurable reduction in biological age compared to with those who did not [1].
Researchers pointed out that this small change could contribute to healthier aging, but the long-term benefits remain uncertain.
Hormone therapy has long been used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood changes, by supplementing estrogen and progesterone levels [2]. This study highlights a new potential benefit: slightly reducing the rate of biological aging.
However, the researchers cautioned that while the results are promising, they should be interpreted carefully. The age reduction observed is slight and hormone therapy may carry risks, such as an increased likelihood of blood clots, breast cancer and stroke.
The researchers emphasized that the decision to begin hormone therapy should still be based on an individual’s health profile and risk factors. This study adds an interesting layer to the discussion, showing that the treatment may substantially reduce biological aging, but it’s not a guaranteed antiaging solution.
Overall, the findings provide new insight into the effects of hormone therapy on biological age, but further research is necessary to determine its long-term impact on aging and health outcomes in postmenopausal women.
[1] JAMA Network. Hormone Therapy and Biological Aging in Postmenopausal Women
[2] StatPearls. Estrogen Therapy
