For more than two decades, women have been told that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is dangerous, that estrogen causes breast cancer, that hormones should only be used briefly, and that symptoms of perimenopause and menopause are simply something to endure. These fears began with the early 2000s headlines surrounding the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), one of the largest studies on menopausal hormone therapy ever conducted.

But here’s the truth: the original WHI findings were misinterpreted, misreported, and ultimately misleading. 

Perimenopause and menopause are natural transitions in a woman’s life, but they can feel confusing or overwhelming—both for women experiencing them and for the men who love and support them. Understanding what’s happening and how to respond can strengthen your relationship and deepen intimacy during this important life stage.