Hormone Replacement Therapies: What We Know Now
Alright fam, let's get right down to the trendiest 3 word topic across all of our socials: Hormone Replacement Therapy.
For many of us, the topic of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) comes with hesitation—and for good reason.
For years, we were told it was risky, that it should be avoided, and that the benefits didn’t outweigh the concerns.
So here's a fun fact (because you KNOW I love a good clinical study!) That guidance largely came from the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study—yes, you read that correctly. The guidance about women's well-being comes from a study that is older than most of our children!
Thankfully that study has finally been re-evaluated and found to have significant flaws, particularly around how risk was interpreted.
So what do we understand now?
When started at the right time and under medical guidance, HRT may offer:
- Cardiovascular benefits
- Bone density support
- Possible protection against cognitive decline (emerging research)
Even the FDA has removed the original “black box” warning that shaped so much fear. And while breast cancer risk was once heavily emphasized, newer analysis suggests those concerns were overstated due to misinterpreting correlation vs. causation.
What does this mean? For one, I'm not suggesting we all need HRT. Heck, I'm not even suggesting that I am a subject matter expert. I am merely stating that the conversation around HRT has changed and life-altering symptoms that we as women were once told are "just part of life" and we should just "deal with it" are potentially treatable through HRT and definitely worth a conversation with your trusted healthcare provider.
The most important takeaways:
You are allowed to ask questions.
You are allowed to seek second opinions.
You are allowed to advocate for your quality of life.
The menopause conversation is evolving—and you deserve access to current, accurate information so you can make decisions that feel right for your body.
COMMON SIGNS OF MENOPAUSE
- Hot flashes
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression + anxiety
- Brain fog + fatigue
- Lower libido
- Skin, hair and weight changes
- Joint pain
- Dry eyes or itchy ears
Where we come in
While we don’t prescribe or manage hormone therapy, we do see and support how these changes show up—especially in the skin.
If you ever want help understanding how hormonal shifts may be affecting your skin (or how to support it topically), we’re always here as a resource.