Hormone Replacement Therapy: What Every Woman Should Know

Most women wait way too long to start hormone replacement therapy. And we're not talking about synthetic hormones — we're talking about bio-identical hormones, the real ones. They're the same hormones your body makes, so it knows exactly what to do with them.

A few options worth knowing:

• Transdermal estradiol patch. My preference, because it significantly decreases clotting risk — and the research supports that.
• Micronized progesterone. Most women focus only on estrogen, but progesterone is one of the most impactful hormones for perimenopausal symptoms. This oral capsule, taken at bedtime, balances estrogen and improves sleep and mood. If you haven't had a hysterectomy, it's non-negotiable — it helps decrease your risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer.
• Vaginal estradiol cream. Supports libido, improves vaginal dryness, and improves sexual function in ways many women didn't know existed.

Don't wait until you're fully in menopause to start having these conversations. This is not a one-size-fits-all treatment plan — and it never was.