Hi, I’m Julie—occupational therapist, women’s health specialist, and menopause coach.I had a hysterectomy due to adenomyosis—a condition that wrecked my quality of life with pain, fatigue, and relentless bleeding. I thought once it was over, I’d finally feel better.
But then came the hormonal crash. Insomnia. Brain fog. Word-finding issues. Strange rashes. Weight gain—despite no changes to my diet or exercise routines.
So I started looking into menopause hormone therapy … and I quickly realized that much of what I thought I knew about it was based on misinformation and outdated studies. Studies that have since been debunked.
Here’s why I chose MHT:
- Because I deserve to feel like myself again.
- Because estrogen supports brain, bone, heart, and mental health.
- Because suffering through menopause isn’t a badge of honor.
- Because quality of life matters.
And here’s the thing: I have over 200 hours of continuing education specifically in menopause. I would not take this treatment—nor recommend other women consider it—unless I was confident that it is safe for most women.
What I remind my clients is this:
Estrogen isn’t foreign to you —it’s something your body has made your whole life. Why would it suddenly be harmful to you after menopause?
And if HRT is “dangerous,” why are women routinely put on higher-dose birth control without question? In fact, most forms of HRT are lower dose and carry a better safety profile than hormonal birth control, especially when tailored to your unique needs.
So no—I’m not afraid of MHT.
Not every woman will choose it. And that’s okay.
But no one should make that decision based on fear.
The Facts About MHT Safety
Let’s talk science for a moment. The fear around MHT largely stems from the early 2000s, when the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study caused widespread panic. But what many don’t realize is that the study’s findings were misunderstood and later clarified:
- For women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, HRT is considered safe and effective for managing menopausal symptoms and improving quality of life¹.
- Estrogen therapy alone has been associated with a 22 % lower risk of breast cancer².
- The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) reaffirmed in its 2022 position statement that HRT is the most effective treatment for hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other menopausal symptoms—and that the benefits outweigh the risks for healthy women under 60³.
Looking for More Information?
If you’re curious about MHT and want to learn more:
- I have an HRT playlist on my TikTok channel that breaks it all down.
- You can download the North American Menopause Society’s 2022 position paper here.
- Visit the menopause information hub on my website for a directory of menopause-certified practitioners and links to trusted telehealth providers.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not you choose HRT, one thing is clear: lifestyle changes are essential to feeling your best in your menopausal years. Nutrition, movement, stress management, and sleep all play a role—and that’s where menopause coaching fits in.
If you’re ready to take back control of your body and feel like yourself again, I’d love to support you on that journey.
→ Learn more about coaching and how we can work together by scheduling a free consultation with me!
¹ The North American Menopause Society. (2022). Hormone Therapy Position Statement Update. https://www.menopause.org
² Manson, J.E., et al. (2013). Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Long-term All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality. JAMA.
³ North American Menopause Society. (2022). Menopause Practice: A Clinician’s Guide.