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Women who are struggling with memory problems after going through menopause may benefit from undergoing testosterone testing. A new study from a team of Australian researchers suggests that higher levels of the male sex hormone may help protect memory as females age.

The findings could have important implications, the researchers said, because women are more prone to cognitive decline in old age. However, the results suggest that simple testosterone treatment may be sufficient to support healthy brain function into old age.

For the study, the researchers administered a testosterone spray to the skin of nine healthy women who were in the early stages of menopause. The treatment brought hormone levels back to what would be expected in healthy young women. The mental health of these participants was compared to a group of women who received no treatment.

The testing showed that after 26 weeks, participants treated with testosterone improved on scores of cognitive function, compared to the women who were not given testosterone.

"Testosterone may play a protective role against dementia," said Sonia Davison, who headed up the investigation.