AFTER 40 / THE EVIDENCE EDIT
Considering menopause hormone therapy? Start here.
Know the established benefits, potential risks and decisions that belong in a clinical visit.
Established for specific indicationsUpdated October 2026 · Educational summary · Clinical review not yet completed
Where evidence is strongest
Menopausal hormone therapy is among the most effective interventions for vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes. It may also help prevent bone loss in appropriate patients.
Why the details matter
Age, time since menopause, uterine status, route of therapy, cardiovascular and clotting history, cancer history and patient preferences influence decisions.
Other symptoms deserve evaluation
Fatigue, aches, mood changes and sleep disturbance can occur in midlife, but also have unrelated or overlapping causes. Hormones should not be assumed to explain everything.
What to avoid
Be cautious of blanket anti-aging promises, unverified compounded preparations and treatment packages that bypass individualized assessment.
Questions to bring to your clinician
- What symptoms are we treating and how will we measure improvement?
- How does my history change my benefits and risks?
- What route, dose and follow-up make sense?
- What nonhormonal options are available?