No, this is a common myth not supported by current evidence. Modern studies show that bioidentical hormone therapy, especially when started around the time of menopause, carries little to no increased risk and may even offer protective benefits for some women. The type of hormone, route of administration, and individual health history all play a role. When carefully prescribed and monitored, HRT is a safe and effective way to relieve menopausal symptoms and support long-term health without significantly increasing breast cancer risk.

No, HRT does not inherently cause blood clots, especially when using bioidentical hormones and non-oral delivery methods, such as transdermal creams or patches. The risk of clots is primarily associated with synthetic oral estrogens, which can affect liver metabolism and increase the levels of clotting factors. By using transdermal routes, this liver pathway is bypassed, significantly reducing the risk of clotting. For most women, especially those without pre-existing clotting disorders, properly managed HRT is a safe and effective therapy with minimal impact on clot risk.

Cyclic and continuous HRT are two different approaches to hormone therapy, each suited to specific needs. Cyclic HRT involves taking estrogen daily with progesterone added in cycles—typically for 10–14 days per month—mimicking a natural menstrual pattern and often causing a predictable monthly bleed. It’s commonly used in women who are recently menopausal. Continuous HRT, on the other hand, provides both estrogen and progesterone daily without breaks, leading to more stable hormone levels and usually no bleeding over time. This approach is preferred for women further into menopause who want consistent relief without monthly cycles.

Creams are often considered superior to pellets for HRT due to their flexibility, precision, and control. With creams, dosing can be easily adjusted based on symptoms and lab results, allowing for a more personalized and responsive treatment. They’re non-invasive, avoid the need for surgical insertion, and eliminate the risk of dose “dumping” that can occur with pellets. While pellets provide long-term delivery, they lack flexibility—once inserted, the dose cannot be changed. For most women, creams offer a gentler, more adaptable, and equally effective approach to hormone optimization.

Testosterone is a key part of HRT for women because it supports vital functions beyond just libido. It plays a critical role in energy, mood, cognitive clarity, bone density, muscle tone, and metabolic health. As women age, testosterone levels naturally decline, often leading to fatigue, brain fog, low motivation, and decreased sexual satisfaction. Replacing testosterone as part of a comprehensive HRT plan helps restore balance, enhance quality of life, and support long-term vitality. When properly dosed, it’s a safe and essential hormone for optimizing female health.

Yes. Even after a hysterectomy, progestogen remains a highly beneficial part of an HRT regimen. While it's no longer necessary to protect the uterus, it still provides critical systemic benefits, supporting mood stability, sleep quality, brain health, and maintaining balance in breast tissue. Bioidentical oral micronized progesterone, in particular, has calming effects on the nervous system and can help counterbalance the stimulating effects of estrogen. Including progestogen ensures a more complete, well-rounded hormone replacement plan, enhancing both symptom relief and long-term wellness, even in women without a uterus.

Synthetic hormones, like those found in birth control, are structurally different from the body’s natural hormones and can lead to more side effects such as mood swings, weight gain, and increased risk of blood clots. These synthetic versions often suppress natural hormone production and don’t offer the full spectrum of benefits true hormones provide. In contrast, bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical to what the body naturally produces, making them more easily recognized and utilized. This leads to better symptom relief, improved safety profiles, and fewer unwanted side effects. For those seeking hormone balance, bioidentical therapy offers a more natural, effective, and safer approach.