At Thrive Wellness, we believe hormone therapy is not just about surviving menopause. It’s about thriving through midlife and beyond. For too long, women have been misled by fear-based messaging and outdated guidelines around hormone replacement therapy (HRT), especially bioidentical HRT. Today, we’re setting the record straight, drawing on the expertise of leading clinicians and researchers who champion hormone therapy as a foundation for longevity, strength, mental clarity, and disease prevention.
Let’s explore some of the most persistent myths and what the science, and real experts, actually say.
MYTH 1: "Hormones are too dangerous. They cause cancer."
TRUTH: This fear largely stems from a misinterpretation of the 2002 WHI (Women’s Health Initiative) study. But even the original researchers have since revised their conclusions.
Dr. Avrum Bluming, an oncologist and co-author of Estrogen Matters, argues that estrogen therapy, when appropriately administered, does not increase breast cancer risk and may in fact reduce risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, dementia, and premature death.
“We’ve deprived women of hormones for 20 years based on flawed interpretations,” Bluming writes. “It’s time to stop the fear and start the conversation.”
MYTH 2: "Bioidentical hormones are safer, especially if they’re compounded."
TRUTH: The term “bioidentical” simply means that the molecular structure is identical to hormones your body produces. It says nothing about quality, safety, or how it’s dosed. While compounded hormones have a place in our care plans, FDA-approved, pharmacy-dispensed bioidentical options are also safe and widely available.
Dr. Shawn Tassone, author of The Hormone Balance Bible, strongly cautions against pellets, calling them “the Wild West of hormone therapy.” He advocates for individualized hormone mapping based on real lab values not trends or templated protocols.
MYTH 3: "Menopause is natural—just suffer through it."
TRUTH: Menopause is natural but suffering is not.
Dr. Mary Claire Haver, OB-GYN and author of The New Menopause, is helping women understand the deep link between estrogen loss and declines in metabolic health, muscle mass, memory, and quality of life.
She teaches that treating menopause with the same clinical seriousness as other aging conditions is not indulgent, it’s essential. Hormone therapy, strength training, and nutrition together help women reclaim their vitality and increase their healthspan.
MYTH 4: "You have to stop HRT at age 65."
TRUTH: Neither science nor common sense supports this rule.
Both the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have clarified:
NAMS 2022 Position Statement affirms that HRT can continue beyond age 65 when clinically indicated. ACOG agrees: age alone is not a reason to stop hormone therapy.
MYTH 5: "It’s too late to start if you’re over 60."
TRUTH: Earlier use (within 10 years of menopause) may be ideal, but that doesn't mean women starting later can't benefit.
Emerging data suggest that carefully supervised HRT started later in life may still offer meaningful improvements in sleep, mood, bone density, and overall function.
If you’ve gone untreated for years, you deserve answers not dismissal. We start by listening, testing, and working together to find a safe and effective approach.
Thrive's Perspective: HRT as a Foundation for Longevity
We don't see hormones as “optional” afterthoughts. We see them as:
At Thrive, we tailor each hormone therapy plan using lab testing, symptom mapping, and expert-reviewed protocols not pharma marketing or rigid age limits.
Final Word
If you’ve been told to stop HRT or denied it altogether because of your age, you’re not alone. And you’re not out of options.
Whether you’re 42 and perimenopausal or 68 and still struggling with symptoms, we believe you deserve a conversation rooted in respect, science, and empowerment.
Let Thrive be your guide in reclaiming your health, your hormones, and your joy.
Ready to explore your options? Contact our team to schedule a personalized hormone consult. Call to schedule at 323-389-9191
