A Note from Dr. Longo:

Hormone therapy has had a rocky road over the past 20 years. The good news? We’re all becoming more aware of both the real benefits and the actual risks—which are fewer than you might think.

Let’s start with the question: Why did hormone therapy get such a bad reputation, and why did so many women lose access to it in the early 2000s?

In 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) conducted a study on the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for postmenopausal women. The study was stopped early when preliminary results suggested that taking Prempro—a combination of conjugated equine estrogen and medroxyprogesterone acetate—increased the risk of breast cancer.

But the study had many flaws, and subsequent research did *not* confirm that risk. In fact, many follow-up studies demonstrated significant benefits. Unfortunately, the media focused on sensational headlines like “HRT BAD!!” and failed to correct the narrative when new data emerged. There were no front-page retractions or widespread clarifications. As a result, an entire generation of postmenopausal women missed out on a safe and highly beneficial treatment. Worse still, many healthcare providers continue to operate under outdated assumptions, believing HRT is dangerous and should only be used short-term. Although this mindset is slowly changing, it continues to affect patients every day.

Throughout my 22 years in practice, I’ve been aware of the WHI study’s limitations and have worked hard to educate my patients about the real benefits of hormone therapy—and the minimal risks. That has meant countless daily conversations with patients who were hesitant or afraid to pursue treatment. It’s disheartening to think that so many women who finally “gave in” to hormone therapy when their symptoms became unbearable did so believing they were taking serious risks just to feel better. In reality, they were reclaiming their quality of life—with far fewer risks and even more benefits than they realized.

Hormone replacement isn’t just about easing symptoms; it’s also a powerful tool in preventing chronic disease. The added bonus of feeling better day-to-day makes it a win-win. This idea may be new to some, which is surprising given the mountain of evidence supporting HRT’s role in preventing many of the conditions we associate with aging and decline: Alzheimer’s, dementia, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even certain cancers.

At our practice, we help optimize levels of key hormones—estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, and vitamin D3—that influence virtually every cell in the body. Hormones switch on vital cellular functions. Without the right levels, those functions simply don’t happen. So how do we figure out the right balance? Not magic—though it might feel like it. We rely on labs, patient history, symptom tracking, and response to treatment to guide us. And with that approach, we can profoundly improve both the quality and quantity of your life.

You don’t need a $1,500 lab panel to start feeling better. But you do need baseline labs and a skilled provider who knows how to interpret them and guide you toward optimal health.

To all my past, present, and future patients: thank you for trusting me with your care. I’m honored by that trust and excited to walk this next phase of your health journey with you.