For more than two decades, many women have been hesitant to pursue hormone therapy following the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study. Unfortunately, the initial reporting of that study—later found to be misleading and based on significant limitations—led both providers and patients to fear hormone therapy and, in many cases, discontinue its use. We now have a clearer understanding of the data, and much of the original concern has been reconsidered in light of more accurate analysis.
As a result, many women navigating perimenopause and menopause are left feeling uncertain about their options and unsure of the best path forward. They often sense that something is not right—experiencing unexplained anxiety, depression, weight gain, insomnia, low libido, and other symptoms that leave them feeling unlike themselves.
The good news is that effective treatments are available. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all play essential roles in a woman’s overall health and well-being, particularly during the transition into her 40s and beyond. With appropriate evaluation and individualized care, women can regain balance and feel like themselves again.