Estrogen Exposure May Impact a Women’s Odds of Stroke

The longer a woman is exposed to estrogen during her lifetime, the lower her risk of stroke, according to a new study. The study included nearly 123 women, middle-aged and older, who answered questions about their reproductive health and were then monitored for stroke after an average of 9 years.

After adjusting for factors such as age, smoking, physical activity, and high blood pressure, the results showed that women with the longest reproductive lifespan, meaning they were exposed to estrogen the longest, had a significantly lower risk of ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage of blood pressure to the brain, and intracerebral hemorrhage, or bleeding in the brain.

Researchers also looked at other factors affecting estrogen levels, such as pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives, and again found a link between higher estrogen levels and lower stroke risk. One study author says these findings might help generate new ideas for stroke prevention, such as considering screenings for people who have had a short lifetime exposure to estrogen.