More Than Hormones

Author: Dr. Blair Green PT, DPT, OCS, PHC

I have been transparent about my personal experience with MHT (read here). After many years of studying the most recent and best evidence around hormones in perimenopause (and beyond), this is one treatment intervention I can get behind. I am excited for the future of women’s health now that priorities have started to shift and more women have access to MHT and other hormonal support in midlife.

Despite all of this, I will continue to stand firmly on my soapbox: MENOPAUSAL HORMONE THERAPY IS NOT A STAND ALONE TREATMENT.

Read that again. Get it into your brain. Hormones are great, but hormones are not the only solution, nor do they replace comprehensive, holistic care of the many symptoms and changes that occur during the menopause transition. Whether or not you are able to utilize MHT, you should not forget about all the other things you can do to support your brain and body during this time.

To emphasize this point, consider heart disease. There are many risk factors associated with heart disease, some of which we can change (modifiable) and others we cannot (non-modifiable). Most people at high risk for a heart attack do things such as eat better, commit to exercise and reduce stress in their lives, even if they require medication for high blood pressure or cholesterol. Although perimenopause is not a disease, but rather an unavoidable phase of life for all women, it can be viewed in a similar light. MHT helps reduce the risk of disease and ongoing symptoms, but quality of life can be drastically improved by committing to other health practices such as consuming an adequate amount of protein and fiber, getting adequate sleep and exercising regularly for bone and muscle health.

I get it - all of this information can be overwhelming. None of these recommendations, including MHT, are a one size fits all solution. This is why perimenopause is difficult to manage alone, and why I recommend partnering with a trained health care professional who is up to date on the current management of women in this stage of life. 

Whether you are already using  MHT, considering it, or not a candidate for it, I challenge you to look beyond the hormones and start incorporating lifestyle changes that will support you now, and in the future. Not sure where to start? My next cohort of Not Your Mother’s Menopause will begin in early 2026. This online group coaching program will walk you through the exact steps you need to incorporate these simple changes  - and give you the WHY behind it. Want to learn more? Register for the wait list (open now). You will receive emails leading up to registration as well as learn more about the program, get your questions answered and receive early access pricing.

Click below to join the wait list for Not Your Mother’s Menopause and take the first steps to learning how thriving in perimenopause is more than just hormones.

JOIN THE WAIT LIST