If you’ve been told hormone therapy will give you breast cancer, that you’re “too young” or “too late,” or that you should just “tough it out”—you’ve been misled. You’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. The confusion around menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is rampant, even among clinicians. But let’s set the record straight.
So… What Is Hormone Therapy, Exactly?
Menopausal hormone therapy typically refers to estrogen, with or without progesterone (often depending on whether you still have a uterus). It’s used to treat the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause—things like hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, brain fog, vaginal dryness, low libido, and mood changes. For many women, it’s life-changing.
And no, it’s not just about symptoms. Estrogen also has long-term health benefits for bones, brain, and possibly even heart health when started at the right time.
Where Did All the Fear Come From?
Blame it on the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, released in 2002. The media exploded with headlines linking hormone therapy to breast cancer, blood clots, and heart disease—and millions of women (and doctors) panicked.
Here’s the kicker: the interpretation of that study was deeply flawed. The women in the WHI were, on average, 63 years old, often well past the menopause transition, and the study used forms of hormones we rarely prescribe today.
Subsequent reanalysis and newer studies have shown that for healthy women under age 60, or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks.
What Your Doctor Might Not Know
Many doctors haven’t received updated training in menopause care and are still relying on outdated guidance from 20+ years ago. This means they might say “no” to hormone therapy simply because they don’t know how to prescribe it—or they’re afraid of liability.
That’s not good enough.
You deserve a doctor who’s trained in evidence-based, nuanced menopause care—who understands when hormone therapy is appropriate, which type is best for your needs, and how to monitor you safely.
Is Hormone Therapy Right for You?
That depends on your medical history and your preference but every woman should be taught about it and know that it’s worth exploring. Hormone therapy can be safe and highly effective for many women. And if it’s not the right fit, there are non-hormonal options that can also help.
This isn’t about vanity or weakness. This is about quality of life, function, and feeling like yourself again.
Final Word
Hormone therapy isn’t for everyone—but it’s not the villain it’s been made out to be. If your symptoms are impacting your life, you deserve real answers, not recycled fear.
This is your body. Your hormones. Your choice. Make it an informed one.
Want help deciding what’s right for you? Book a visit to explore your options with an expert who gets it – Me!
👉 Still scared of hormones? You’re not alone—and you’ve been misinformed. Let’s talk about what’s true, what’s outdated, and what’s right for you.\
Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan is a family physician, board certified by the American Board of Family Physicians and a menopause specialist, certified by the North American Menopause Society, dedicated to empowering women through their midlife health journeys. She is the founder of Portland Menopause Doc, co-founder of the Portland Menopause Collective, podcaster on The Dusty Muffins, and an expert speaker, frequent podcast guest and active contributor to midlife women’s health research.
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