By Renaldo Pool, BHSc
Navigating the various therapeutic tools available to support menopausal transition – Section Three
Introduction
Although the bodily changes during the menopausal stages can make you feel as if your body is communicating in a different language than you are used to, they also signify a change in hormone levels and your body’s capacity for the necessary adaptation for continued balance.
The signs and symptoms discussed in the previous articles highlight the influence that hormonal alterations have not only on one part of the body but also on a multisystem level, including hot flushes, sleep disruption, changes in emotional state, skin changes, gut balance, and bone, joint, and heart health, to name a few. But most importantly, it is realizing that menopause is more than mere symptoms and signs to endure, and that quick fixes or wellness trends are not necessarily viable, long-term options for overall well-being.
Moreover, the abundance of information and products available, albeit contradictory and confusing, suggests that different therapeutic options are not as simple as a one-size-fits-all solution, and therefore, we have seen throughout this three-part series that menopausal changes can be approached from a targeted, personalized perspective, guided by a healthcare professional’s clinical decision-making and tailored to each individual’s concerns and clinical history. The most important takeaway from this series is that the transitional period your body undergoes need not be associated with persistent challenges, confusion, and discomfort, but rather a dynamic transition you can navigate with confidence, self-awareness, and well-informed decision-making.
Thus, the last article shines a light on various aspects that can be considered to support hormonal changes and assist the body during its transitional and rebalancing period. We look at different healthy lifestyle habits as an initial approach, supplement use in cases of deficiency or socioeconomic influence, and hormonal therapeutic tools based on personalized, risk-based associations to support your changing internal environment.
Alternative Strategies to Aid My Changing Body During Menopause
It is every woman’s choice whether they want to opt for hormonal therapeutic strategies or implement alternative measures that are also evidence-based. These approaches are usually considered as a first-line measure after lifestyle habits are reviewed, before additional tools are considered.
Another important factor to consider is that the transitional period of the menopausal stages varies, along with the hormonal changes and symptoms experienced, highlighting the need for individualized, personalized therapeutic approaches. In other words, what works for one family member does not necessarily mean it will work for you, and vice versa (Madsen et al., 2023).
But When Should I Consider Seeking Professional Advice?
Potential symptoms and signs that could prompt you to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional include:
- Severe hot flushes and or night sweats
- Disrupted sleep or sleep deprivation
- Changes in mood, which also include overall emotional state, elevated anxiety, or depressive-like symptoms
- Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), which includes vaginal dryness, sensitivity, and irritation.
- Early menopausal symptom onset (this can also be due to induced early menopause after surgery)
- Concerns regarding bone health, bone density, and osteoporosis risk
- When you are uncertain of any supplemental estrogen, and even non-hormonal supplement use
Throughout this article, the following is emphasized: if you feel the need for any supplementation or hormonal therapy as supportive measures during the menopausal stages, consult a healthcare practitioner or specialist about your symptoms and future concerns, as they are well-equipped to offer guidance and support.
But also, equally important, is considering lifestyle strategies as a foundational tool for menopausal symptom support.
Lifestyle Tools as Menopausal Support
Environmental Support for a Healthy Sleep Routine
- Maintaining a moderate room temperature, keeping the bedding light, as well as your pajamas, so that in the event night sweats occur, you do not experience disrupted sleep; however, limited or insufficient data is available elaborating on its efficacy (Santoro et al., 2020; Madsen et al., 2023). It is best to try to avoid hot meals, environments, caffeine, and alcohol late in the evenings – these are a few triggers that could lead to hot flushes and sleep disruption.
- Following a proper sleep hygiene routine (Kim & Yu, 2025), such as regular bed and wake times, preventing excessive screen time before going to bed, limiting caffeine intake late at night, and even reducing heavy meals, can promote mood stability and cognition.
Meditation and Mindfulness for Menopausal Symptoms
- Slow, deep breathing techniques, when a hot flush starts, can decrease its intensity and perceived severity; however, studies have found these methods offer little benefit for hot flush frequency and severity (Santoro et al., 2020; Sahni et al., 2021; Madsen et al., 2023). Implementing relaxation strategies, such as mindfulness, soft music, or stretching, can also reduce hot flushes, especially when stress-induced (Zouboulis et al., 2022; Kim & Yu, 2025; Wang et al., 2025).
- Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) also indicate that practicing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly for menopause, can change your perception of how hot flushes and sleep disruption affect you, regardless of whether hot flushes decrease in frequency (Santoro et al., 2020; Sahni et al., 2021; Kim & Yu, 2025; Madsen et al., 2023; Wang et al., 2025).
- Using hypnosis and mindfulness for stress reduction has been associated with moderate reductions in the impact of hot flushes (Madsen et al., 2023; Kim & Yu, 2025) and improved sleep across multiple trials (Wang et al., 2025).
Physical Exercise Routine and Nutritional Changes
- Regular aerobic exercise and resistance training (Santoro et al., 2020; Fenton, 2021), for example, fast-paced walking, cycling, and low-intensity weight training, 3-5 times a week, aid in improving mood, sleep, and cognitive function, and indirectly ease the impact of vasomotor symptoms (Kim & Yu, 2025; Lin et al., 2025; Liu et al., 2025; Lephart et al., 2026).
- Following a balanced and diverse diet (Fenton, 2021; Kim & Yu, 2025), such as a Mediterranean diet, which includes various sources of grains, vegetables, and protein that are fiber-rich and can provide the necessary nutrients, along with buffering changes associated with hormonal shifts (Davies & Halliday, 2024; Liu & Guo, 2025; Lin et al., 2025; Liu et al., 2025; Lephart et al., 2026).
Non-hormonal and Complementary Options
As a result of declining intestinal absorption with aging, as well as insufficient dietary intake (depending on factors such as socioeconomic climate, availability of nutritional information, nutrition guidance by a healthcare professional, and availability of specific whole foods). If dietary and lifestyle sources prove to be inadequately absorbed or if deficiencies persist, especially for micronutrients and whole-food sources, supplementary compounds can be considered (Davies & Halliday, 2024; Liu & Guo, 2025).
Phytoestrogens (think of soy, tofu, soy isoflavones, lycopene, and S-equol)
Plant-derived molecules can form weak bonds with estrogen receptors due to their selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) properties, slightly reducing mild hot flushes in some females (Zouboulis et al., 2022; Lephart et al., 2026). They have also been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, including resveratrol (Lephart & Naftolin, 2021; Wylenzek et al., 2024; Lin et al., 2025; Liu et al., 2025). However, the results are mixed and require further research (Palacios et al., 2019; Sahni et al., 2021; Silva et al., 2021; Lephart et al., 2026).
Omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish oil, fatty fish, and flaxseed)
Certain trials have indicated that moderate improvements in mood, cognitive function, joint pain (namely, bone health), and the lipid profile, especially lowering triglycerides and systemic inflammatory markers, offering cardioprotection, are associated with the intake of these compounds (Silva et al., 2021; Wylenzek et al., 2024; Lephart et al., 2026).
L-theanine and Certain Pre- and Probiotics
L-theanine, which is present in green tea, can aid relaxation and sleep, and specific pre- and probiotics are being studied for their associations with mood, gut microbiota regulation, and inflammation; however, the evidence remains preliminary (Ferrando et al., 2025; Lin et al., 2025; Yu et al., 2025; Lephart et al., 2026).
Vitamin K, Magnesium, and Selenium (found in leafy greens, whole grains, seeds, and Brazil nuts, respectively)
These micronutrients have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and cardioprotective benefits (Lephart et al., 2026). Vitamin K is associated with reduced arterial stiffness and hypertension, while magnesium and selenium improve sleep architecture and promote antioxidant defenses; magnesium is also involved in preventing muscle cramps and anxiety (Silva et al., 2021; Liu & Guo, 2025; Liu et al., 2025; Lephart et al., 2026).
Other Vitamins with Antioxidant Properties
Furthermore, several studies highlight the importance of vitamins as antioxidants, including vitamin B6, vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and vitamin D, which benefit cognitive, bone, and cardiovascular health. However, contrasting findings have also been reported regarding micronutrient use, with excessive intake potentially exacerbating other side effects (Wylenzek et al., 2024; Liu et al., 2025). As noted by Wylenzek et al. (2024), optimal nutritional intake and supplement use should be investigated in future research on the transitional phases of menopause to equip women with the information needed to make informed decisions (Lephart et al., 2026).
Supplemental Blends
Many menopausal supplement blends, containing ingredients such as black cohosh, dong quai, ginseng, evening primrose, and wild yam, are widely marketed; however, large, high-quality RCTs have not demonstrated consistent benefits for hot flushes or other core symptoms associated with menopause (Sahni et al., 2021; Madsen et al., 2023; Lin et al., 2025). These supplementary products may be safe for short-term use in healthy females, but they are not recommended as first-line strategies, as the preferred method of nutrient intake is from food-derived sources (Liu & Guo, 2025). Moreover, certain products, such as black cohosh, are also noted to lead to hepatotoxicity if consumed over a long period.
Additional Pharmaceutical Therapies
Liu et al. (2025) discuss findings on rapamycin use, noting its anti-inflammatory effects and reduced atherosclerosis; however, clinical trials and ongoing research are in progress. Metformin is also highlighted for its use as an antidiabetic, alongside GLP-1 receptor agonists. In addition, Coenzyme Q10 is highlighted for its ability to reduce the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and support mitochondrial function (Liu et al., 2025).
Therefore, it is important to discuss any supplement, dietary modifications, and alternative pharmaceutical interventions with a healthcare practitioner or clinician before their use, especially if contraindications or other hormone-sensitive health conditions are present (Sahni et al., 2021).
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Supplements – What Do Scientific Studies Indicate?
Previous large-scale studies noted adverse risks associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT); however, these risk-based approaches were generalized and were concerned with findings from study groups that consisted of older and overall healthy postmenopausal women, where specific risk factors were not considered, resulting in an overgeneralized risk assumption, and advised all menopausal groups to be cautious with MHT implementation (Lephart & Naftolin, 2021; Madsen et al., 2023; Gu et al., 2024; Camon et al., 2024).
Recent perspectives, based on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, have suggested a personalized approach that considers factors such as age, menopause onset, timing of hormone therapy initiation, method of administration, hormone therapy formulation, clinical history, and previous cancer risk profile (Lephart & Naftolin, 2021; Lephart et al., 2026).
Taking these factors into account with the suggested timing hypothesis of hormone therapy implementation, namely, females younger than 60 years or within 10 years of menopause onset, could experience benefits pertaining to vasomotor symptoms, cardiovascular health, bone health, cognitive function, and overall quality of life (Lephart et al., 2026). Therefore, the current clinical framework should address this in a personalized, stepwise manner, rather than through generalized avoidance or routine use of hormone therapy (Madsen et al., 2023; Camon et al., 2024; Mervosh & Devi, 2025).
Despite more recent perspectives on hormonal therapy, public engagement with this potential therapeutic option is still considered controversial due to consumers’ confusion and fears, social media-driven perspectives, and family and friend perceptions (Lephart et al., 2026).
Let’s first look at why earlier findings on MHT use were considered controversial
- Initially, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) indicated a moderately increased risk of females developing breast cancer when using a combination of estrogen and progestin therapy, especially when used for a prolonged period (Palacio et al., 2019; Camon et al., 2024). Alongside, increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke occurrence (Madsen et al., 2023; Gu et al., 2024; Kissinger, 2024).
- After re-analyses, it was revealed that women using estrogen-MHT solely, with hysterectomy, had a lowered or no increased risk associated with breast cancer development. With the combined estrogen-progestin therapy approach, the risk is present; however, it is relatively small and depends on age, duration, and the formulation used, namely, compounded synthetic versions versus body-identical formulations (Lephart & Naftolin, 2021; Camon et al., 2024; Lephart et al., 2026).
- It was also argued that the WHI’s initial study indicated a generalized high risk associated with the use of HRT or MHT, by only including participants from a specific age and ethnicity; whereas the type of progestin, the route of therapy (for instance, oral or transdermal), and the timing of MHT or HRT initiation are more important to consider (Camon et al., 2024; Gu et al., 2024; Kissinger, 2024; Mervosh & Devi, 2025). Nowadays, clinicians take all of these factors into account rather than stating that all MHTs/HRTs are dangerous (Zhang et al., 2021; Madsen et al., 2023).
- It was also noted that a combined MHT approach leads to an increased risk for stroke and coronary heart disease (Camon et al., 2024). The ELITE, as well as additional RCTs and meta-analyses, revealed that if MHT is initiated before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset, there is no increased risk of coronary heart disease associated with HRT or MHT use, and a lower all-cause mortality is also noted (Zhang et al., 2021; Gu et al., 2024; Kissinger, 2024). However, if MHT is used later than 10 years after the onset of menopause or after age 60, the cardiovascular risk-benefit profile is less favorable (Madsen et al., 2023).
- Similarly, seen with a later start of MHT use (>10 years or older than 60 years of age) compared to the use of MHT before the age of 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset, specifically where it is not associated with an increased risk for dementia and other neurological conditions, and may also provide additional support for cognition in certain health populations (Zhang et al., 2021; Kissinger, 2024; Mervosh & Devi, 2025; Lephart et al., 2026).
- The timing hypothesis is widely known, though it remains suggestive (Zhang et al., 2021; Gu et al., 2024; Mervosh & Devi, 2025). Moreover, MHT’s public implementation remains controversial due to prior studies highlighting black-box warnings on earlier, non-specific data, as well as instances in which clinicians advise patients against its use, and family members report mixed personal experiences.
What Do Recent Guidelines Suggest?
Recently, guidelines from the NIH and updated US/European menopause societies indicate various favorable outcomes with the use of estrogen supplementation and hormone therapies – this is elaborately discussed in a narrative review by Palacios et al. (2019) and Madsen et al. (2023).
- MHT, at the most lowest but effective dose, is considered an efficient option for vasomotor symptoms, varying between moderate to severe, such as hot flushes and night sweats, when an earlier onset of low estrogen levels occurs, maintaining bone health, as well as aiding in genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), affecting urinary health and causing vaginal dryness (Palacio et al., 2019; Zhang et al., 2021; Madsen et al., 2023; Gu et al., 2024).
- For the majority of females under the age of 60, or starting with MHT/HRT within 10 years since the onset of menopause, it is considered to be appropriate and relatively safe, especially taking into account that it is indicated to be used and there are no major contraindications (Sahni et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2021; Madsen et al., 2023; Kissinger, 2024).
- The FDA, for instance, has removed the black-box warning labels from certain estrogen products, indicating a more favorable risk-benefit assessment compared with findings from 2002 (Kissinger, 2024; Zeeshan & Saqlain, 2026).
The most important thing to remember is that MHT use is advised to alleviate severe symptoms or to benefit cardiovascular and bone health, depending on various risk factors (Gu et al., 2024; Kissinger, 2024).
However, this is not a one-size-fits-all product; it depends on each individual’s clinical history, the pharmaceutical formulation used, the timing of product use, the timing of menopause onset, and the duration of use, which should be re-evaluated periodically (Zhang et al., 2021; Kissinger, 2024; Zeeshan & Saqlain, 2026).
This is why recent evidence has suggested a change in the narrative regarding hormone replacement therapy, from focusing on whether hormone therapy is safe or unsafe, to whether hormone therapy is the correct and most suitable option for an individual based on their age, clinical history, risk profile, and which therapeutic option should be considered, as well as the timing related to use.
“This is why recent evidence has suggested a change in the narrative regarding hormone replacement therapy, from focusing on whether hormone therapy is safe or unsafe, to whether hormone therapy is the correct and most suitable option for an individual based on their age, clinical history, risk profile, and which therapeutic option should be considered, as well as the timing related to use.”
To briefly summarize the above sections, we look at what some common thoughts or misconceptions could be versus what current literature suggests, regarding MHT use:
Common Thoughts About MHT/HRT | What Current Evidence Suggests |
MHT causes cancer, affecting the breasts, endometrium, etc. | Breast cancer risk is not the same for all hormone therapies. Risk varies depending on the type of hormones used, i.e., synthetic or body-identical, duration of treatment, dosage, and individual risk factors, such as family history. For example, as discussed earlier, estrogen-only therapy in women with a hysterectomy may have a neutral or even reduced breast cancer risk profile compared with combined estrogen-progestogen therapy. |
MHT causes heart disease. | Current evidence suggests timing of hormonal therapy use matters. For many healthy women younger than 60 years or within 10 years of menopause onset, MHT is not associated with increased coronary heart disease risk and may offer cardiovascular benefits in appropriately selected individuals. However, this should be discussed with a trusted healthcare professional for evidence-based guidance and informed decision-making. |
Hormones are unsafe because of the WHI study. | The WHI raised important safety concerns at the time; however, later analyses showed that age, timing of initiation, route of administration, and hormone formulation significantly influence risk. Modern menopause care uses a more individualized risk-based approach, than overgeneralized findings, which was suggestive through the WHI study results. |
All hormone therapies are the same. | Different hormone therapies have different formulations, doses, and delivery methods, which can produce different outcomes. For instance, oral and transdermal strategies, estrogen-only or combined therapies, and synthetic versus body-identical formulations should be evaluated based on its unique presentation. |
Natural supplements are always safer than hormones. | Natural does not always mean safer or more effective. Some supplements, regardless of being natural or synthetic, have limited evidence, can interact with medications, or may carry their own risks. Both supplements and hormone therapies should be evaluated based on evidence, safety, and personalized health history – it is best to have this discussion with a trusted healthcare professional. |
If symptoms are tolerable, MHT is unnecessary. | Even though MHT use is primarily to improve quality of life and manage severe symptoms, it may also be considered in specific situations when it comes to bone health, premature menopause, surgical menopause, or increased osteoporosis risk. |
Once you start MHT, you can never stop. | MHT use should be reevaluated regularly. Duration of treatment should be individualized and based on symptom control, risk profile, treatment goals, and ongoing discussion with a healthcare professional. |
The key takeaway from this section is that if you feel the need for any supplementation or hormonal therapy, it is best to consult a healthcare practitioner or specialist about your symptoms and future concerns, as they are well-equipped to offer guidance and support for informed decision-making.
That being said, suggested risk groups that should be cautious when considering using hormone therapy or estrogen replacement supplementation:
- Oral estrogen can elevate the risk of deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, particularly in females with a recent venous thromboembolism, previous estrogen-associated clot history, obesity, smoking, and genetic thrombophilia (Zhang et al., 2021; Pivazyan et al., 2023). This is where transdermal estrogen supplementation appears to carry a lower risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), suggesting it might be a preferred therapeutic option due to its first-pass hepatic effect, which reduces the potential risk of thrombotic events (Madsen et al., 2023; Pivazyan et al., 2023; Kissinger, 2024; Glynne et al., 2025). However, further research is required to evaluate both delivery methods in clinical trials.
- Females with hypertension and older women may have a slightly elevated risk of ischemic stroke, particularly if ischemic stroke or coronary heart disease is part of their clinical history. RCTs such as ELITE and KEEPS discuss the association of oral estrogen and transdermal MHT, particularly at high doses and only taken at a later stage in life, i.e., older than 60 years of age and more than 10 years after menopause onset, which could increase the risk for cardiovascular complications due to subclinical atherosclerotic progression (Zhang et al., 2021; Madsen et al., 2023; Mervosh & Devi, 2025). Similarly, as noted in a 2015 Cochrane study, where women starting with MHT less than ten years since menopausal onset had no significant impact on their incidence of stroke occurrence, whereas females who started later than ten years had an increased risk (Madsen et al., 2023; Kissinger, 2024).
- A small increased risk of breast cancer development, if long-term combined estrogen-progestin hormonal therapy is used, depending on whether synthetic progestin is used (also called bio-identicalcompounds and includes compounded, custom-mixed pharmaceuticals) in the formulation versus a more natural progestogen (referred to as body-identical, undergoing strict regulatory control through the appropriate medical authorities), and whether the dosage prescribed tends to accumulate (Zhang et al., 2021; Kissinger, 2024).
- Women who also have a clinical history of hormone-derived breast cancer should be cautious with the use of any hormone replacement, unless guided by an oncologist for fertility preservation reasons or palliative care (Zhang et al., 2021). It is also noted that estrogen-only MHT has an overall neutral or reduced breast cancer risk, particularly in females with a hysterectomy (Glynne et al., 2025). Altogether, body-identical progestogens are preferable with a combined-use approach to MHTs, in cases of breast cancer risk (Kissinger, 2024).
- Systemic estrogen-only options have also been suggested to increase the risk of endometrial cancer, especially in females with a uterus; this is why a progestogen is added to offer protection for the endometrium (Madsen et al., 2023; Kissinger, 2024; Mervosh & Devi, 2025).
- Additionally, in certain instances, a local vaginal estrogen (and not systemically provided) is often used for GSM, due to its minimal effect for systemic absorption. It is essential that a low-dose regimen is used when a local vaginal estrogen is prescribed (Zhang et al., 2021; Madsen et al., 2023). It also appears to be safe for application, even in breast cancer survivors, under current protocols (Glynne et al., 2025).
- Despite the irregularities of the menstrual cycle during perimenopause, pregnancy can still occur up to 12 months after the last menstrual period, and therefore, females who do not wish to conceive have the option of birth control (Madsen et al., 2023). A number of options exist where perimenopausal symptoms are alleviated with the use of contraceptives, such as patches, a progestin intrauterine device, or the pill. However, this needs to be discussed with your healthcare practitioner about whether a progestin-only option or the addition of systemic vaginal estrogen is more suitable (Madsen et al., 2023).
Who is Recommended to Use MHT/HRT options?
RCTs and the most recent guideline recommendations often indicate that MHT/HRT is specifically appropriate for:
- Healthy females who are under 60 years of age or are within a 10-year period since the onset of menopause, experiencing moderate-to-severe hot flushes, night sweats, and or GSM, with no contraindications (Sahni et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2021; Madsen et al., 2023).
- Women experiencing early menopause or surgical menopause (oophorectomy), losing estrogen suddenly, with an increased predisposition for osteoporosis, cardiovascular conditions, and potential cognitive decline over a long-term period. In these instances, MHT/HRT is usually recommended until the age of natural menopause (approximately 51 years) or older, if appropriate (Madsen et al., 2023; Camon et al., 2024).
- Females with a decreased bone density or high risk of fractures, with a lowered estrogen level, which impacts the protection of bone – this is usually considered clinically relevant for hormonal therapy (Madsen et al., 2023).
Future Supplement and Replacement Therapies
With ongoing research and clinical trials evaluating the effects of hormone or menopause replacement therapy, along with non-hormonal therapies, various compounds are being investigated and developed to address health concerns, curb mechanisms that exacerbate age- and low-estrogen-related conditions, and reduce potential risks (Camon et al., 2024).
- Currently, FDA-approved medications, such as fezolinetant, provide relief from menopausal symptoms. This medication is a KNDg antagonist that regulates hyperactive neurons stimulated by estrogen deficiency, thereby reducing vasomotor symptoms (Sahni et al., 2021; Madsen et al., 2023; Liu et al., 2025).
- Phytoestrogens are considered more and more as an additional option for estrogen therapy; however, conflicting evidence has been reported regarding their use, and further investigation is warranted (Lephart & Naftolin, 2021; Liu et al., 2025; Lephart et al., 2026). Another option for depression-like symptoms includes the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); however, this option does not aid in weight management or severe vasomotor symptoms (Sahni et al., 2021).
- Prospective studies are examining tissue-selective estrogen complexes that act on specific estrogen-dependent tissues (Palacio et al., 2019). For instance, ospemifene is an FDA-approved drug used for vulvovaginal atrophy with minimal interaction with the endometrium, which is important to prevent increased risk of endometrial cancer. However, this drug was tested in clinical trials for only 52 weeks; thus, long-term effects are unknown.
- Other future investigations reveal the use of estrogen-associated prodrugs, where the prodrug is broken down into active estrogen metabolites acting on specific estrogen targets and their pathways, and reducing unnecessary or off-target binding. One example is the development of DHED.
- In addition, pathway-preferential estrogens are another option under investigation; they promote or inhibit specific downstream pathways associated with estrogen.
- Alternatively, incorporating estrogen forms such as estetrol (E4) and estriol (E3) into future MHTs appears to offer benefits while limiting the risk of other pathophysiological conditions.
Conclusion
As current and future research continues to investigate the menopausal stages, their associated mechanisms, and their interplay within the body’s interconnected systems, a broader understanding of this topic will emerge. One where we view menopausal symptoms not as isolated events but as part of a linked, complex, multisystem that runs deeper than what is seen on the surface.
Throughout this article series, we have learned that, currently, menopause does not come with a universal, quick, and easy-to-follow guide and that different women will have varying experiences and outcomes. Different symptoms, times of onset, and therapeutic intervention outcomes are influenced by genetics, supplement use, therapeutic strategies, lifestyle factors, and personal circumstances. Therefore, it is important to recognize that a supportive approach should not be confined to a specific set of rules, fear-based information, or wellness hype that prioritizes quick fixes over gradual, supportive care. This will help you understand the transition period your body undergoes, the rebalancing that takes place, and to embrace a new version of yourself.
And after discussing the various signs and symptoms associated with menopause, how the body recalibrates its internal environment to adapt and maintain balance, alongside examining evidence-based therapeutic strategies, this series’ aim is to help you understand your body, instill confidence to ask the necessary questions, seek appropriate support, and make informed decisions alongside a healthcare professional with your best interests at heart.
Because your experience during this physiological and hormonal transition period matters, access to the necessary information, caring support, and informed guidance can transform an uncertain, challenging, and uncomfortable time in your life into a well-informed, self-care, self-aware, and confident transitional period.
One in which you can trust your body’s capacity for resilience, adaptation, and renewal.