For most healthy women under 60, or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits of hormone therapy clearly outweigh the risks. Current medical consensus strongly supports its use for symptom relief.
What modern evidence shows:
- The early Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study initially raised significant concerns, but re-analysis showed the risks were overstated — particularly for younger women starting therapy around the time of menopause.
- The "timing hypothesis" is well-established: hormone therapy started close to menopause onset is safer and more beneficial than therapy started many years later.
It may not be appropriate if you have:
- A personal history of breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer
- A history of blood clots or stroke
- Active heart disease
- Liver disease or untreated high blood pressure
Not sure if you're a candidate? A visit with a QuickMD clinician is the best place to start.