New Research Shows Hormone Therapy for Menopause May Slow Down Aging

Menopause is a natural milestone in a woman’s life that marks the end of menstrual cycles. This transition often comes with challenges like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and vaginal dryness, largely due to changing hormone levels.

Recent research published in JAMA Network Open highlights an exciting potential benefit of hormone therapy (HT) beyond managing menopause symptoms: it might slow down biological aging. According to the study, women who started HT after age 55 or used it for four to eight years seemed biologically younger compared to those who had never tried it.

If you’re in Salt Lake City or Pleasant Grove and exploring ways to navigate menopause, Simply Wellness offers personalized hormone therapy treatments to help you manage symptoms and maintain vitality during this stage of life.

What Is Biological Aging?

Biological aging is about how well your body is functioning compared to your chronological age—the number of years you’ve lived. While chronological age is fixed, biological age can be influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Slowing biological aging means your body stays healthier and more resilient as you grow older.

How Hormone Therapy Helps

During menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to noticeable physical changes. A 2016 study found that these hormonal shifts might accelerate biological aging, especially if menopause starts earlier than usual.

The recent findings suggest that HT could help counteract this process. However, it’s important to remember that this study was observational—it doesn’t prove a direct cause-and-effect link between HT and slowing biological aging.

The Upsides and Downsides of Hormone Therapy

HT has its perks, like helping protect against osteoporosis, but it also comes with risks. Some studies suggest it could increase the chances of certain cancers, blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends against using HT just to prevent chronic conditions after menopause. That’s why it’s so important to have a thoughtful conversation with your healthcare provider. If you’re in Salt Lake City or Pleasant Grove, Simply Wellness specializes in helping women weigh these factors and create a treatment plan tailored to their needs.

Final Thoughts

The idea that hormone therapy might slow biological aging opens up exciting possibilities for women navigating menopause. But because HT carries risks, it’s crucial to get personalized medical advice before deciding if it’s right for you. At Simply Wellness in Salt Lake City and Pleasant Grove, we are committed to empowering women with the knowledge and care they need to make informed decisions about their health.

Sources

1. JAMA Network Open. Recent study on hormone therapy and biological aging.

2. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines on hormone therapy. USPSTF Recommendations

3. Wikipedia contributors. “Hormone therapy (menopause).” Wikipedia. Hormone Therapy Overview

4. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. “The relationship between menopause and biological aging.” Study on Hormones and Aging

5. National Institute on Aging. “Menopause and hormone therapy: Understanding the basics.” NIA Menopause Info