If you’re experiencing menopause symptoms, you might be looking for something that works not just for the sweats, brain fog and fatigue that you’re dealing with now, but also contributes to your long-term wellbeing.

HRT is often introduced as a fix for today’s symptoms: hot flushes, mood swings, and aching joints. However, women are learning that balancing their hormones with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can do more than help them feel like themselves again. It can help protect the bodies they live in for years to come.

This is because oestrogen and progesterone aren’t just reproductive hormones. They’re whole-body regulators. They support your bones, brain, heart, skin, and cells in ways that go far beyond periods and fertility. When those hormones decline, symptoms can arise, and your risk of certain health issues including osteoporosis, heart disease, and cognitive decline.

This is where personalised, body-identical HRT steps in. Not just to ease the now, but to protect you later.

Every decision about HRT should be based on a personalised risk-benefit analysis. Your age, time since menopause, symptom severity, and overall health all play a part. For most healthy women under 60, the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks. Guidance is available from NICE NG23 (2023) and the Women's Health Initiative.

HRT and long-term health

The longer-term benefits of HRT are now better understood than ever and backed by decades of evolving research. When used early (usually within 10 years of menopause onset), HRT can reduce the risk of life-altering conditions that disproportionately affect women after 50.

Can HRT prevent osteoporosis?

HRT's bone-protecting effects are one of the most well-established benefits. After menopause, women can lose up to 20% of their bone density in just five to six years (1). This isn’t a slow fade; it’s a steep drop that raises the risk of fractures, especially in the hip and spine.

HRT helps slow and in some cases reverse this loss. Research indicates that oestrogen replacement can reduce the risk of any fracture by 28%, a major osteoporotic fracture by 40% and a hip fracture by 34% (2). For many women, especially those in early menopause or with a family history of osteoporosis, HRT is the most effective first-line prevention.

Does HRT prevent arthritis?

The evidence is still mixed. Oestrogen has anti-inflammatory effects and supports joint lubrication, two things that matter when you’re dealing with stiff knees or aching fingers that weren’t a problem a few years ago. There has been some research that suggests that HRT may slow down or protect against hand osteoarthritis (3). However, the findings of another study suggest that HRT may be associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (4).

While HRT isn’t a cure for arthritis, women who take it often report fewer joint symptoms, less stiffness, and improved mobility (5,6).

Does HRT prevent heart disease?

HRT can be beneficial for the cardiovascular system when used in the right way, at the right time. Before menopause, oestrogen helps protect your arteries, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. When that oestrogen disappears, so does the protection. That’s one reason why heart disease becomes the leading cause of death for women after midlife (7).

Women who start HRT within ten years of menopause have a 30% lower risk of coronary heart disease and fewer cardiac events than those who don’t (8).

Does HRT prevent weight gain?

As oestrogen falls in midlife, fat redistributes, metabolism slows, and insulin resistance increases. The result? Weight gain, especially around the middle.

However, research reveals that some HRT regimens may prevent an increase in body fat mass, help regulate appetite, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce abdominal fat, and preserve lean muscle mass (9).

Does HRT prevent cancer?

This is the question that stops many women in their tracks. The honest answer? It depends on the type of cancer and the type of HRT.

Combined HRT (oestrogen and progesterone) is associated with a very small increase in breast cancer risk after five years of use, equating to around one additional case per 1000 women over five years (10). However, HRT has also been shown to reduce the risk of bowel cancer and improve survival rates in those who do develop it (11).

HRT, the brain and mental health

Oestrogen and progesterone have a direct influence on the brain, affecting mood and cognitive function. When they drop, it’s not just your cycle that’s affected. However, HRT can help stabilise mood and protect long-term brain health.

Can HRT prevent dementia?

HRT can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, especially when started early. Large studies show women who start HRT within the first ten years of menopause may have up to a 32% lower risk of developing dementia (12).

Can HRT reduce the risk of depression?

There are mixed findings about HRT and depression. It is a known side effect for some forms of HRT (13). However, a large study of more than 825,000 women found that for women aged 54-56, local HRT was associated with a decreased risk of being diagnosed with depression (14).

Can HRT prevent migraines?

HRT is not a direct treatment for migraines. However, many women who experience migraines find that they are more likely to be triggered by the vasomotor symptoms of menopause. As HRT is highly effective in the management of hot flushes and night sweats, it can indirectly help reduce the occurrence of migraines (15).

HRT and physical appearance

No one wants to say it out loud, but let’s be honest: how you look affects how you feel, and there’s nothing vain about wanting to recognise your reflection.

When oestrogen declines, collagen production slows, skin becomes thinner and drier, muscle mass reduces, hair thins and fat shifts. None of this is just about natural ageing; it’s about hormone loss. HRT can slow or even reverse many of those changes.

Does HRT prevent hair loss?

Oestrogen helps keep hair in its growth phase, and when it declines, it can negatively impact your hair. HRT may restore volume and reduce shedding (16), especially when used early and paired with the right nutrition and scalp care.

Does HRT prevent wrinkles?

Oestrogen stimulates collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its bounce, thickness and hydration. Without it, skin can become dry, saggy and crepey, especially on the face, neck and chest.

Studies show that when taking HRT, skin thickness can improve by up to 33%, skin becomes less rough and dry, and wounds can heal more quickly (17), which can all improve the overall appearance of the skin.

Does HRT prevent ageing?

HRT can slow biological ageing (18). Women on HRT tend to have better skin elasticity, more muscle mass, lower rates of frailty, and reduced risk of chronic disease.

One long-term study showed women who used HRT had a longer life expectancy and lower rates of all-cause mortality (19). So, the benefit of HRT is not about looking younger - it’s about being stronger, longer.

Menopause is a natural part of getting older. However, as you age, you’re not just meant to feel fine; you’re meant to feel great. HRT isn’t just a short-term solution for managing menopause symptoms. It’s a long-term strategy for protecting your future health, energy and sense of self. Thriving through midlife and beyond isn’t too much to ask - it’s exactly what you deserve, and Voy can help. Speak to us today about our personalised menopause care plans.

DisclaimerAt Voy, we ensure that everything you read in our blog is medically reviewed and approved. However, the information provided is not meant to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.

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