Menopause: New Data on Hormone Therapy

Menopause affects every woman, yet it has long remained a taboo subject even in medical circles. After the publication of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) results in 2002, millions of women fearfully abandoned hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, later data analysis showed that the initial conclusions were substantially skewed: the average age of study participants was 63, far from the typical age of menopause onset.

Current data indicates that initiating HRT during perimenopause or within the first 10 years after menopause — the so-called "window of opportunity" — is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive impairment. Bioidentical hormones, particularly transdermal estradiol combined with micronized progesterone, show a better safety profile compared to synthetic alternatives.

Beyond the classic symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats, menopause affects the brain, joints, heart, metabolism, and even microbiome composition. Research shows that declining estrogen is linked to accelerated brain aging and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in women. This explains why two-thirds of Alzheimer's patients are women.

It is essential that every woman has access to current information and can discuss all options with her physician. Menopause is not a disease but a natural transition that deserves the same attention and quality of medical care as any other stage of life.