When is the best time to start menopausal hormone therapy, and how long should it continue?

The best time to start menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is within 10 years of your last menstrual period or before age 60. Starting MHT during this window provides the greatest benefits for long-term health, including cardiovascular and bone protection. However, it is possible to start MHT after this period, especially with careful consideration and guidance from a menopause-trained doctor. The choice of formulation (pill, patch, spray, gel) can be tailored to your needs and risk factors.

As for how long you should continue MHT, there is no set time limit. Here at Alloy, we follow the latest guidelines from The Menopause Society, which state that the duration of therapy should be individualized. You can continue MHT as long as you are benefiting from it and do not have any new contraindications. There is no requirement to stop at age 60 or 65, and you do not need to limit use to just a few years. The decision should be made together with your healthcare provider, based on your symptoms, health status, and personal preferences.

For a deeper dive into this topic, check out these helpful resources:

Watch Dr. Corinne Menn discuss the timing and duration of hormone therapy in this YouTube chapter: Timing vs. Duration of Hormone Therapy, where she explains why there is no arbitrary age cut-off and how long you can safely continue.
Dr. Sharon Malone also addresses this in Navigating Menopause: Timing and Duration of Hormone Therapy, emphasizing that there is no acceptable level of suffering and no set time limit for stopping hormones.

If you’re interested in exploring your options, visit our product page to see the different MHT formulations available at Alloy, or take our online assessment to get personalized recommendations from a menopause-trained doctor. At Alloy, we’re here to empower you with evidence-based care and support every step of the way!

This answer was created using the following resources: