Is there a strict age limit for starting or stopping menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)?
There is no strict age limit for starting or stopping menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) here at Alloy. The most up-to-date guidelines, including those from The Menopause Society, emphasize that decisions about when to begin or end MHT should be individualized. The best time to start MHT is typically around the onset of menopause or within 10 years of your last period, as this is when the benefits for heart and bone health are greatest. However, starting MHT after age 60 or more than 10 years from menopause is not automatically ruled out—it just requires a more personalized discussion with your healthcare provider about your health history, treatment goals, and any potential risks.
Similarly, there is no set age or duration at which you must stop MHT. You can continue as long as you are benefiting and have no new health reasons to stop. The decision should always be based on your symptoms, preferences, and ongoing assessment with your provider.
For a deeper dive, check out these helpful resources:
- Watch Dr. Sharon Malone explain why there’s no hard cutoff for starting or stopping MHT in this YouTube chapter: No Hard Cutoff—Individualized Approach
- Dr. Corinne Menn discusses the timing and duration of hormone therapy, debunking the myth of a strict age cutoff: Timing vs. Duration of Hormone Therapy
- Read more about the latest expert guidelines and how Alloy personalizes menopause care: Great Big News in the Menopause World
If you’re interested in exploring MHT options or want to see which products might be right for you, visit our product page or start with our online assessment.
At Alloy, we’re here to empower you with science-backed information and personalized care, so you can make the choices that are best for your health and quality of life.
This answer was created using the following resources:
- When’s the Best Time to Start Hormone Therapy? | Dr. Sharon Malone - No Hard Cutoff—Individualized Approach
- Your Menopause Questions Answered | Dr. Sharon Malone
- Hormone Therapy 101 with Alloy’s Very Own Dr. Corinne Menn! - Timing vs. Duration of Hormone Therapy
- The Best Sex-Ed You Never Had - Your Sex Life Through Menopause | Dr. Kelly Casperson - Starting Menopausal Hormone Therapy After Age 60
- When to Stop Taking HRT
- Menopause Hormone Guide: Expert Insights
- NAMS Issues Updated Guidelines on Hormones
- Catching Up with Mary Claire Haver | Alloy
- Catching Up with Dr. Sharon Malone | Alloy