Hormone therapy comes up often in conversations about menopause, in the news, on social media and among friends. Opinions can be strong, and headlines tend to swing between enthusiasm and alarm. This article does not tell you whether hormone therapy is right for you, and it does not describe doses or products. Its purpose is to help you have a well-prepared conversation with your doctor, who is the right person to weigh the options with you.
Why the topic comes up
Menopause, as the NIH defines it, is the point at which a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. The NIH lists symptoms around this time that include hot flashes, sleep problems, mood changes, vaginal dryness, urine leakage and changes in sex drive. Because many of these are linked to changing hormone levels, hormone therapy is one of the options doctors may discuss. Other options, including lifestyle changes and non-hormonal treatments, may also be part of the discussion.
Why advice seems to change
Medical thinking evolves as new research is published, and guidance on any treatment can be refined over time. That is one reason not to rely on an old article, a friend's experience or a social media post. Your doctor can explain the current thinking and, more importantly, how it applies to you.
Questions worth asking
- Are my symptoms likely to be related to menopause, or could something else explain them?
- What are all my options, including non-hormonal ones?
- Based on my personal and family history, what are the possible benefits and risks of hormone therapy for me?
- What forms of treatment exist, and how would we decide between them?
- How long might I use a treatment, and how often should we review it?
- What side effects should I watch for, and when should I call you?
- Would any of my current medicines or supplements interact with it?
How to prepare
- Keep a symptom diary for a few weeks before your appointment.
- Write down your medical history and your family's, as far as you know it.
- List everything you take, including over-the-counter products and supplements.
- Decide which two or three symptoms bother you most.
Our guide to talking to your doctor about menopause has more tips.
A caution about "natural" alternatives
Some products are marketed as hormone-free or natural alternatives. The FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are marketed, so their claims have not been checked in advance. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before trying anything. See Buying Wisely.
For background reading, start with Menopause 101. This article is general information only and is not medical advice.