Modern HRT: Why avoiding it could be riskier than you think

Are you unknowingly risking your health by avoiding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)? With safer, bioidentical hormones, modern HRT offers life-changing benefits for women navigating menopause and beyond. From protecting bones and heart health to reducing risks of cognitive decline, frailty, and dementia, HRT can transform your well-being. If past fears have held you back, it’s time to reconsider.

Watch Dr. Mary Claire Haver , a leading OB/GYN, share how modern HRT has helped thousands of women regain control of their health.

10 Reasons why HRT is critical for your health

Estrogen receptors are found in multiple organs and systems throughout the body, not just in reproductive tissues. By supplementing with HRT, you can protect these vital systems from the decline that occurs during menopause. HRT helps maintain healthy levels of estrogen and progesterone, which are crucial for supporting bone density, heart health, brain function, and overall well-being, allowing women to thrive through menopause and beyond.

  1. Bone Health
    Estrogen helps prevent bone loss, drastically reducing the risk of osteoporosis, which can lead to debilitating fractures
  2. Heart Health
    Early HRT reduces the risk of heart disease by protecting your arteries and maintaining heart health, especially when started before age 60.
  3. Mental Health
    HRT enhances cognitive function and improves mood, combating brain fog, depression, and anxiety, which can escalate during menopause.
  4. Menopausal Symptoms
    HRT is the most effective treatment for hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, helping to restore comfort and quality of life.
  5. Prevention of Diabetes
    Some studies suggest HRT improves insulin sensitivity, potentially lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.
  6. Urinary Health
    HRT can reduce the frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and improve symptoms of urinary incontinence by maintaining the health of vaginal and urinary tissues.
  7. Sexual Function
    Estrogen therapy can enhance sexual satisfaction by improving libido and reducing vaginal dryness.
  8. Visceral Fat Gain
    HRT helps manage body fat changes, reducing the accumulation of visceral fat, which can increase during menopause.
  9. Maintaining Muscle Mass
    HRT helps preserve muscle mass and strength, which naturally decline during menopause, aiding in better physical mobility as you age.
  10. Skin Elasticity
    Estrogen maintains skin thickness and elasticity, improving skin appearance and reducing signs of aging like fine lines and sagging.

Common symptoms of menopause

  • Hot flashes: Sudden feelings of warmth, often most intense over the face, neck, and chest.
  • Night sweats: Episodes of heavy sweating during the night.
  • Irregular periods: Menstrual cycles become less regular, with changes in frequency and flow.
  • Vaginal dryness: Can lead to discomfort during intercourse or general dryness and itching.
  • Mood swings: Increased irritability, anxiety, and depression.
  • Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, often related to night sweats.
  • Weight gain: Particularly around the abdomen.
    Thinning hair: Hair may become thinner or more brittle.
  • Loss of breast fullness: Changes in the firmness and size of breasts.
  • Reduced libido: A decreased interest in sexual activity.

Less common symptoms of menopause

  • Increased mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression)
  • Cognitive changes (e.g., memory issues, brain fog)
  • Inner ear complications (e.g., dizziness, tinnitus)
  • Heart palpitations
  • New onset of asthma
  • Loss of diversity in the gut microbiome
  • Skin and hair changes
  • Joint issues, including frozen shoulder
  • Higher risk of metabolic diseases
  • Worsening hypertension and cholesterol
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Sudden increase in belly fat

The safety of modern, bioidentical HRT

Today’s Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) options have undergone significant advancements, particularly with the use of bioidentical hormones, which are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the body. This has greatly minimized the risks that were associated with older forms of HRT. Here’s a breakdown of the most common concerns:

  • Breast Cancer: While there is a slight increase in breast cancer risk for women using combined estrogen-progestin therapy, this risk is minimal and diminishes after stopping treatment. For women who’ve had a hysterectomy, estrogen-only therapy is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. Using bioidentical hormones further reduces this risk compared to synthetic hormones.
  • Heart Health: Contrary to earlier studies, modern research shows that starting HRT early (before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause) does not increase heart disease risk—in fact, it may help protect heart health. The timing of HRT is critical for reducing cardiovascular risks.
  • Blood Clots: The risk of developing blood clots, a concern with oral forms of HRT, is significantly reduced with transdermal options such as patches, gels, or sprays. These delivery methods bypass the liver, lowering the risk of blood clots and making them a safer option for many women.

With these improved formulations and delivery methods, HRT is much safer than it was in the past.

Why timing matters

Starting HRT during perimenopause or early menopause can have life-changing benefits. Delaying HRT could increase the risk of frailty and dementia as well as osteoporosis and heart disease. Early intervention helps preserve bone density, protects your heart, and maintains cognitive function. By starting HRT early, you reduce the chances of being affected by conditions like dementia or debilitating fractures, ensuring a more active and fulfilling life.