For years, women have been told that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a safe and effective way to manage the symptoms of menopause. Now, new research is raising serious concerns about the long-term consequences of this widely prescribed treatment—particularly for women over 60. A study from Mass General Brigham suggests that HRT could significantly increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, yet the medical establishment appears reluctant to sound the alarm.
The study, published in *Science Advances*, found that women who began HRT in their 60s had a much higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s in their 70s. Researchers discovered that those who had taken HRT showed a faster buildup of tau—a protein known to contribute to cognitive decline—compared to women who had never used the therapy. Alarmingly, these women also had higher levels of brain plaque, a known marker of Alzheimer’s disease.
Yet despite these troubling findings, the pharmaceutical industry and its allies in the medical field continue to push HRT without sufficient warnings about the risks. The study suggests that women who have been menopausal for over a decade should not be prescribed hormone therapy, but how many doctors will heed that advice?
For years, HRT has been marketed as a miracle cure for hot flashes, mood swings, and other menopause-related symptoms. But time and time again, research has revealed alarming side effects—from an increased risk of breast cancer to strokes and blood clots. Now, with strong evidence linking late-life HRT use to Alzheimer’s, one has to wonder why women aren’t being given all the facts before being prescribed these drugs.
Senior researcher Rachel Buckley of Massachusetts General Hospital emphasized the risks, stating, *“Our findings add to the evidence that delaying initiation of HT, especially in older women, could lead to worse Alzheimer’s outcomes.”*
And yet, we still see mainstream medical organizations treating HRT as an essential part of aging for women, downplaying the dangers in favor of profit.
The study examined 146 women between the ages of 51 and 89, with brain imaging revealing that those over 70 who had used HRT experienced accelerated tau buildup in areas responsible for memory and recognition. In contrast, women who stopped using HRT before reaching their 60s did not show the same level of risk.
The evidence is clear: delaying HRT until later in life appears to have serious neurological consequences. So why isn’t the media making this a front-page story? Could it be because Big Pharma doesn’t want women second-guessing their prescriptions?
While the medical industry continues to push pharmaceutical “solutions,” studies have shown that simple lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, social engagement, and avoiding alcohol and smoking have all been linked to lower dementia rates.
Instead of relying on a pill to “fix” menopause, perhaps it’s time for women to demand better, safer alternatives. It’s time to stop trusting an industry that has repeatedly downplayed risks for the sake of its bottom line.
