Oestrogen and Aging: Part 2
Your Questions Answered!
Since last week’s article Not just for Hot Flushes, I’ve received many direct messages and questions. Many of you shared how much you feel you’ve missed out over the years—not having the knowledge or access to hormone therapy. I’ve had several insightful conversations with subscribers, and I wanted to highlight and expand on a few key points from that piece.
Talk to Your Own Doctor
Please speak with your doctor and have a thorough conversation—not only about hormone therapy, but about how best to support your health in the decades ahead. That includes protecting your bones, your heart, and your brain.
A Personalised Approach Is Essential
As with all areas of medicine, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Menopause management should be tailored to your age, health status, medical history, and personal priorities. Personalised care is ideal.
The Natural Path
Choosing to let your body transition naturally through menopause is a valid and deeply personal decision. Many women find relief with herbal and naturopathic approaches. However, when it comes to preventing bone loss (osteopenia or osteoporosis) and preserving heart health, there is no solid scientific evidence that these alternatives offer the same protective benefits as oestrogen.
Over 60—Can You Start Hormone Therapy for the First Time?
This was the most frequently asked question. Many of you in your 60s feel you may have missed out on a decade or more of Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT).
The short answer: Yes, it may still be possible.
The longer answer: Starting MHT after age 60—or more than 10 years post-menopause—is known as "late initiation." It must be carefully considered. Risks, particularly cardiovascular risks, are higher with oral oestrogen in this age group. This decision needs a thorough medical assessment. Once again—speak with your doctor.
It’s Not for Everyone
MHT isn’t suitable for everyone. Some women have contraindications such as a history of breast cancer. It’s not a universal answer—but it’s worth a thoughtful, evidence-based discussion.
Start the conversation now
If you’re in perimenopause, now is the time to talk to your doctor.
Ideally, seek out a practitioner with a special interest and experience in menopause and midlife care.The truth is, oestrogen is a master hormone—one that supports energy, metabolism, cognition, vascular health, and more. A recent Nature Medicine article underscores just how crucial it is as a key regulator helping the body maintain equilibrium through aging.
As Dr. Eric Topol, leading U.S. researcher and author of SuperAgers, said bluntly:
“The medical community and public got hormone replacement therapy all wrong.”
The WHI (Women’s Health Initiative) study cast a long shadow, but it had serious flaws. Fear replaced facts. Millions of women lost out.
Coming Soon: The Gift of Age Podcast
I’m thrilled to share that I’ll soon be launching The Gift of Age podcast. Our first episode dives into this very topic, featuring an in-depth interview with a remarkable doctor—an expert in menopause who brings both scientific and holistic insight.
Stay tuned.
Blessings for great health,
Linda