MHT may be safe for those in good health under the age of 60 and within 10 years of reaching menopause. It can help relieve symptoms of menopause, protect your bones and heart, and boost overall quality of life.

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Every year, millions of women reach menopause. Then why isn’t it talked about more?

Healthline aims to bolster the discourse around menopause, which is why we recently asked Stacy Henigsman, DO, MSCP, about treating symptoms of menopause with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).

A note on wording

You may also hear MHT referred to as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In the context of menopause, MHT is the more appropriate term, which is what we chose to use throughout this article.

Early research mainly highlighted the risks associated with MHT, especially its links to:

More recent studies, however, emphasize the benefits when tailored to your unique needs and the timing of starting MHT. It’s now seen as most beneficial when started near the onset of menopause.

There’s also a growing recognition of the importance of choosing the right type of hormones and monitoring therapy over time. Speaking with your doctor or a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) can help.

The best time to start MHT is typically around the time of menopause (when you haven’t had a period for 1 year) or within the first few years of menopause.

This is when symptoms are most likely to be severe and the benefits for heart health and bone density are most prominent.

Starting MHT within this window may also offer the best protection against conditions such as osteoporosis.

However, the exact timing can vary based on individual health, preferences, and risk factors, so it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the optimal time for you.

The benefits of MHT include:

  • Relieves menopausal symptoms: MHT can help alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and changes in mood.
  • Protects your bones: MHT can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, as your risk for these goes up in postmenopause.
  • Protects your heart: Evidence suggests that MHT, when started early, might help reduce the risk of heart disease due to reaching menopause.
  • Improves quality of life: Many people experience improved overall health, mood, and sexual well-being with MHT.

That said, MHT also poses some risks:

  • Increased risk of certain cancers: Prolonged use of MHT (more than 5 years) has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly with certain types of estrogen and progestogen therapy.
  • Cardiovascular issues: Though MHT can help reduce your risk of heart disease, it is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in certain groups, especially those who start MHT later in life.
  • Blood clots: MHT may increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung), particularly in those with other risk factors.

The ideal candidates for MHT are generally those:

  • experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, or vaginal dryness
  • who have not had certain health risks that might increase complications with MHT, such as a history of breast cancer or cardiovascular issues.

Those in good general health who are within 10 years of reaching menopause (in perimenopause) or under the age of 60 are typically considered suitable candidates for MHT.

However, it’s essential to assess your individual medical history and risks before starting treatment.

Consider speaking with your doctor or an MSCP for a risk assessment.

The conversations around MHT have changed over the years. Today, more healthcare professionals recognize MHT as an effective treatment for symptoms of menopause.

When started early, it can help protect your bone and heart health, relieve symptoms, and improve your overall quality of life.

That said, this therapy isn’t without risks. Consider speaking with your doctor or an MSCP for their expert recommendations.

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