E145 The Truth About Menopause Hormone Therapy: Benefits, Risks & When to Start

Should you start menopause hormone therapy as early as possible, or wait until your symptoms become more significant? With so much conflicting advice online, understanding when hormone therapy may be appropriate can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I share my perspective on the latest conversations surrounding menopause hormone therapy, including who may benefit, potential risks, and why it isn't necessarily the right choice for everyone. I also break down the difference between birth control and menopause hormone therapy, discuss progesterone and testosterone, and share my own experience navigating perimenopause. Tune in to learn how to approach this decision with more information, balance, and confidence. Check out our Sponsors: Shopify - If you’re ready to launch your business before Black Friday, go to shopify.com/amy to start your free trial. Cozy Earth - Cozy Earth's biggest sale of the year ends December 3rd. Head to cozyearth.com and use code DRAMY for 35% off home and sleepwear. Aqua Tru - Head to AquaTru.com now and get 20% off your purifier using promo code AMY. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee or your money back. IM8 - Get 30% off IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials Pro, plus a FREE welcome kit and five FREE sachets, at im8health.com. In this episode, you will learn: 00:00 Why menopause hormone therapy isn't automatically the right choice for every woman. 02:00 How nutrition, exercise, and hormone therapy can work together. 03:30 What symptoms may indicate it's time to consider menopause hormone therapy? 05:15 What's the difference between birth control and menopause hormone therapy? 06:15 How to think about the benefits, risks, and potential downsides of hormone therapy. 08:00 My experience with low-dose progesterone and improving sleep. 09:00 My perspective on testosterone therapy and its potential effects on women's health. 10:30 Finding the right healthcare provider for your menopause journey. 12:00 What recent research raises about testosterone therapy and heart health. 13:00 What side effects can happen when you take hormones without a clear medical reason? 15:00 My experience with a daily supplement for energy, focus, and gut health. 17:30 The lifestyle foundations that can support you through perimenopause. 18:30 Vaginal estrogen and its role in supporting genitourinary health. 19:15 The 30-33 method for supporting gut and hormone health. 20:30 How walking and Zone 2 training support cardiovascular fitness. 22:00 Why sprint intervals can help improve VO2 max. 23:30 What are the daily habits that support hormone health? 25:45 My personal approach to managing perimenopause symptoms and protecting my long-term health. 28:45 When to consider starting hormone therapy and when it may be reasonable to wait. Resources Get your copy of my book Hormone Havoc HERE Get your FREE Guide to “The Basics” HERE - 6 things you should be doing for your health! Find more resources on our website - amymdwellness.com Watch on Youtube Follow Instagram: @dramyshah TikTok: @dramyshah