# Is hormone therapy in the menopause safe? What is commonly misunderstood > Menopause treatment and bioidentical hormone therapy (HRT) explained from current medical guidelines: what the WHI study actually showed, and who benefits. Published: 5 August 2026 · Medically reviewed by: Op. Dr. Murat Alpay **Menopause treatment and bioidentical hormone therapy (HRT) explained from current medical guidelines: what the WHI study actually showed, and who benefits.** **Short answer:** Much of the fear about hormone therapy comes from the WHI study published in 2002; later analyses showed that it overstated the risks. According to current menopause guidelines (International Menopause Society, British Menopause Society), for hormone therapy started before 60 or within 10 years of the menopause and given through the skin, the benefits outweigh the risks when there is no reason not to use it. For women who reach the menopause before 40, treatment is recommended until the natural age of the menopause. The menopause is a natural stage of life, but as oestrogen falls it can bring complaints that reach directly into daily life: hot flushes, disturbed sleep, brain fog, weight gain and vaginal dryness. Many women live with these symptoms without seeking help, because of second-hand or incomplete information. The most common hesitation is the question: *does hormone therapy cause cancer?* ## The WHI study and what is understood today The Women's Health Initiative study, published in **2002**, presented the risks of hormone therapy in an exaggerated way; detailed reviews in the years that followed exposed methodological problems in it. According to current guidance from the **International Menopause Society** and the **British Menopause Society**, for modern bioidentical hormone therapy applied through the skin and started **before the age of 60 or within the first 10 years of the menopause**, the benefits considerably outweigh the risks. Related treatment page [Treating the Menopause](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/tedaviler/menopoz-tedavisi/) Menopause treatment covers the hormonal and non-hormonal options for relieving menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. [Details →](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/tedaviler/menopoz-tedavisi/) ## What bioidentical hormone therapy means Instead of synthetic hormones, these preparations use molecules identical in structure to the hormones the body produces itself. The dose is set individually. Alongside relieving hot flushes, this approach helps reduce the risk of bone loss (osteoporosis) and of cardiovascular disease. ## Is hormone therapy necessary in early menopause? In premature ovarian insufficiency under the age of 40, or in early menopause, hormone therapy is recommended not only to relieve symptoms but to protect bone, heart and brain health — and it is recommended **until the usual age of the menopause**, around 51. ## Why the assessment has to be individual Menopause care cannot be delivered as a single standard prescription. It is planned after a detailed look at the person's lifestyle, diet, physical activity and personal medical history. For the detail behind each of these points, see [menopause treatment](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/tedaviler/menopoz-tedavisi/) and [bioidentical hormone therapy](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/tedaviler/biyoesdeger-hormon-tedavisi/). Written and reviewed by **Op. Dr. Murat Alpay** Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology · Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (Çapa) [Full biography →](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/hakkinda/) [← All posts](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/) --- Original page: https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/menopozda-hormon-tedavisi-hrt-guvenli-mi-yanlis-bilinen-gercekler/ Last updated: 2026-10-08 Op. Dr. Murat Alpay — Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Op. Dr. Murat Alpay Practice, Tekelioğlu Cd. No:51 B Kat:2, Filo Apt., 07160 Muratpaşa / Antalya 0505 351 77 88 · Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 18:00 · Closed on Sunday *This information is for general guidance only and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment.*