11/09/2025
Menopause can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep issues. Hormone therapy offers a way to relieve these symptoms, but many women are uncertain about whether to pursue this treatment. This uncertainty stems from past research that raised fears of increased risks for health issues like breast cancer and blood clots, even though newer studies suggest that the benefits may now outweigh these risks for many women.
There is still confusion and apprehension regarding hormone therapy. Many women, like Grayson Leverenz, have been hesitant but later found it helpful. The FDA has recently had discussions about hormone therapy, with an expert panel suggesting that some warnings related to the treatment might be removed. However, there is disagreement among experts about how to properly convey the potential benefits and risks of hormone therapy.
Hormone therapy works by addressing symptoms caused by decreasing levels of hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, during menopause. One form, low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy, targets vaginal dryness with lower risks. Whole-body therapy utilizes pills, patches, sprays, gels, or a vaginal ring to deliver hormones through the bloodstream to reduce symptoms such as hot flashes. Women like Jennifer Zwink have reported significant improvements in their quality of life after starting hormone therapy.
According to the Menopause Society, hormone therapy can lower cardiovascular disease risk if started soon after menopause and may help maintain bone density longer. However, hormone therapy is not without risks. Many patients, like Leverenz, may fear these risks but find the benefits outweigh the negatives after starting treatment. The Menopause Society states women can use estrogen therapy safely for several years before the risk of breast cancer increases, and while there are some risks such as stroke and blood clots, these are often manageable.
There is currently debate about changing warning labels on hormone therapies. Some medical professionals advocate for reassessing these warnings while others caution that removing them without proper evaluation could risk patient safety. In addition to hormone therapy, alternatives exist, such as non-hormonal medications and lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, to alleviate symptoms. Experts warn against misleading claims about menopause treatments and stress the importance of being cautious about unsupported supplements promoted for menopause relief.