Unpacking the HRT Controversy:

What Every Midlife Woman Deserves to Know

For years, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has carried a shadow, a sense of danger, uncertainty, and confusion. Many women, especially therapists, carers, and holistic practitioners, have internalised a silent fear of HRT. But where did it begin?

Let’s go back to 2002,the year everything changed.

The WHI Study: The Research That Sparked a Storm

The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study made headlines worldwide when it claimed that HRT significantly increased the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Almost overnight, millions of women stopped taking HRT. Doctors grew cautious. Therapists and holistic professionals, in particular, turned to natural alternatives, not always from choice, but from fear.

But what most people don’t know is this:

The WHI study was flawed, deeply flawed.

Here’s What Went Wrong:

The study used synthetic hormones (not body-identical HRT that is now widely available).

The average age of participants was 63, and many were years past menopause.

The study was not designed to reflect real-world use for women entering perimenopause or early menopause.

Despite these flaws, the media coverage caused lasting damage to women’s health decisions.

The Truth About Modern HRT

Today’s HRT looks very different from the early 2000s. We now have body-identical hormones (also known as bioidentical), like Oestrogel and Utrogestan, that are molecularly identical to the hormones your body naturally produces.

When prescribed appropriately, ideally during perimenopause or within 10 years of menopause HRT has been shown to support long-term health, not harm it.

Evidence-Based Benefits Include:

Brain Health: Improved memory, mood, and reduced risk of dementia

Bone Health: Stronger bones + reduced risk of osteoporosis

Heart Protection: When started early, HRT can protect cardiovascular health

Symptom Relief: Hot flushes, anxiety, insomnia, and joint pain can all improve

Why It Matters (Especially for Therapists & Holistic Women)

I see so many women professionals, empaths, therapists, silently suffering through menopause, unsure if they “should” consider HRT because they were told it’s unnatural or risky.

But natural does not always mean better. And medical does not mean misaligned with your values.

You deserve to make informed choices.

Without fear. Without shame. Without outdated myths clouding your options.

A Trauma-Informed Approach to Menopause

My role as a trauma-informed menopause mentor is not to tell you what to do, but to help you make empowered, informed decisions that honour your mind, body, and nervous system.

Whether you choose HRT, holistic therapies, or a blend of both, your journey is valid.

Let’s leave fear behind and enter a new era of women’s health: clear, conscious, compassionate, and evidence-based.

Rose