Is It Too Late for Hormone Therapy After 60?

Hormone therapy is one of the most effective tools we have for treating symptoms of menopause — and yet, many women are still told they’re “too old” to start it. This outdated recommendation is based on early misinterpretations of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study from 2002. But science has moved forward, and our approach to menopause treatment needs to catch up.

Here’s what the newer data says about starting hormone therapy after age 60 — and why it may be exactly the right time.

Understanding the Misconception

• The WHI trial included women who started hormone therapy well past the menopause transition, often over age 65.

• Early interpretations of the data suggested increased risk of heart disease and stroke — leading to a widespread fear of hormone therapy.

• However, later analysis shows those risks were small, rare, and more associated with oral estrogen and synthetic progestins.

  
  

Hormone Therapy for Women Over 60

Women in their 60s and beyond often experience:

• Persistent hot flashes and night sweats

• Vaginal dryness and sexual discomfort

• Sleep disturbances and brain fog

• Rapid bone loss and increased fracture risk

  
  

If you’re healthy and still suffering, age alone should not be a barrier to relief.

What the Research Says

• Follow-up studies of the WHI show no increased risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, or death when hormone therapy is started in your 60s.

• Transdermal estrogen (like patches or gels) has a significantly lower clotting risk compared to oral formulations.

• Estrogen-only therapy does not show increased dementia risk and may actually reduce mortality in older women.

Individualized Care Matters

• Not all hormones — or hormone users — are the same.

• Decisions should be based on your current health, lifestyle, and symptom burden, not a blanket age cutoff.

• With the right dose, delivery method, and monitoring, hormone therapy can be safe and effective well into your 60s and beyond.

Bottom Line

Menopause doesn’t magically stop at 60. You deserve to feel good, no matter your age. If your provider says it’s too late for hormone therapy, it may be time to find a provider who actually understands the research.

Listen to Dr Jackson go into detail about this topic!  You can hear the full episode on her podcast, Ageless and Outrageous.  Be sure to like and follow so you don’t miss an episode!

https://agelessandoutrageous.alitu.com/

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FOUNDATIONS AT MAITLAND

At Foundations at Maitland, in Maitland FL, we offer a full range of non-surgical treatments to help you reach your aesthetic, wellness, and sexual goals.  Our providers are highly trained and experienced.  We are led by our double-board certified surgeon, Dr Kristin Jackson, who has personally developed all treatment protocols and is closely involved in the day-to-day operations of our medical spa.  With her extensive training in all non-surgical cosmetic treatments as well as over 20 years of surgical experience, Dr Jackson is uniquely qualified to ensure our medical spa provides you with the highest standards of quality care and safety.

If you are looking for hormone replacement doctors or anti-aging doctors near you, we can help!  Contact us today for your complimentary consultation!