Health · Medical Research · 3 hrs ago
Review finds too little evidence that testosterone eases menopause brain fog
UCL researchers reviewed testosterone studies involving post-menopausal women to assess whether the hormone helps with memory and learning.
Across five studies, 244 volunteers with an average age of 57 received testosterone or a placebo for four to 26 weeks.
The studies showed no significant improvement in cognitive function among those taking testosterone.
The researchers say this means there is not enough evidence to know whether it works, rather than proof that it has no effect.
Testosterone levels appear to decline gradually, rather than sharply, from women’s mid-20s or early 30s.
Social media claims have led some women to seek testosterone for brain fog, but the NHS says it can help improve low libido for some women during menopause.
A Cardiff University trial is testing testosterone alongside standard HRT in 400 women, with results expected when the trial concludes in 2029.
A University College London review found too little evidence to determine whether testosterone therapy eases menopause-related brain fog or memory problems.
The review covered five studies involving 244 post-menopausal women.
The studies showed no significant improvements in cognitive function among participants taking testosterone.
Researchers said the finding reflects insufficient evidence, not proof that testosterone has no effect.
They called for more research into possible links between testosterone and brain health.
- Who
- Researchers at University College London reviewed studies of testosterone in post-menopausal women.
- What
- The review found insufficient evidence to determine whether testosterone therapy improves cognition during the menopause transition or after menopause.
- When
- The review was reported on 30 October 2026.
- Where
- The review was conducted by University College London. The studies involved post-menopausal women.
- Why
- Researchers said the available evidence was limited and more research is needed to understand any link between testosterone and brain health.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Participants in the reviewed studies received either a placebo or testosterone.
The Daily Mail reported the review's findings on evidence for testosterone therapy and cognition.
- Studies reviewed
- 5
- Participants
- 244 volunteers
- Average age
- 57
- Study duration
- 4 to 26 weeks
- Cognitive results
- No significant improvements were shown among those taking testosterone.
What people are saying
Social media is flooded with claims that testosterone improves memory and brain fog, and we hear of many women taking testosterone specifically to manage these symptoms during the menopause.
While there may be some anecdotal evidence for this in perimenopausal women, we cannot claim testosterone improves cognition during menopause without further evidence.
Our review found that the available evidence is limited and insufficient to determine the effect of testosterone therapy on cognition in women during the menopause transition and post menopause.