Listen to insights from Dr. Jila Senemar on the appropriateness of hormone replacement therapy during perimenopause compared to full menopause.
Your Question
“Should I consider starting hormone replacement therapy during perimenopause, or is it better to hold off until I have fully transitioned into menopause? I keep encountering contradictory information online, and it’s becoming quite overwhelming and confusing.”
The Expert Answer
Dr. Jila Senemar is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, a certified menopause specialist, a longevity physician, and the founder of JilaMD, a concierge medical practice dedicated to delivering customized care. Her expertise centers on perimenopause, menopause, metabolic optimization, and various related health areas.
“There is no requirement to delay hormone therapy until you have completely entered menopause. Actually, for a significant number of women, beginning treatment right in the perimenopause phase—when common symptoms such as hot flashes, disruptions in sleep patterns, emotional mood swings, and cognitive brain fog typically first appear—proves to be highly effective and offers substantial benefits.
Scientific research indicates that starting hormone therapy within a decade following your last menstrual period, and ideally before reaching the age of 60, represents the safest timeframe for most individuals. This approach can play a protective role against issues like bone density loss, alterations in cardiovascular health, and various other physiological changes associated with midlife. That said, this choice is deeply personal and not a universal solution. Factors such as your individual medical background, specific risk profiles, and personal wellness objectives must all inform the optimal timing for initiation.
If the symptoms you are experiencing are significantly affecting your daily life and overall well-being, it makes sense to explore this treatment option immediately with a healthcare professional who specializes in menopause management, instead of simply enduring the discomfort in hopes that it will pass on its own.”
“Studies confirm that beginning therapy within 10 years of your final menstrual cycle—and prior to age 60—constitutes the most secure period for doing so.”
