"Patients who were on hormone therapy had a lower biologic age compared to the women who were not on hormone therapy." – Dr. Margaret Nachtigall 

In this episode of AGE BETTER, we dive into a new and exciting study that suggests hormone therapy (HT) may help women not only feel better but also stay biologically younger. We’re talking about a study that analyzed data from over 117,000 women and found that those on hormone therapy had a lower biologic age compared to those who weren’t. The most significant benefits were seen in women who used hormone therapy for four to eight years, but as always, there’s more to the story.  

Our guest, Dr. Margaret Nachtigall, a menopause expert and reproductive endocrinologist at NYU Langone Health and Medical Director of Menopause Cheat Sheet, is here to break it all down for us. Together, we explore how hormone therapy can influence biological aging, the risks and benefits of HT, and why timing and duration are key. Whether you’re considering hormone therapy or already on it, this episode is packed with insights to help you make informed decisions about your health. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

Hormone therapy can help women look and feel biologically younger: Women using hormone therapy showed a lower biological age compared to those who never used it, especially when used for 4-8 years. 

The most benefits are seen in women who use hormone therapy for 4 to 8 years: A longer duration of hormone therapy within this window seems to be associated with the best outcomes in reducing biological age and improving overall health. 

Risks like blood clots and breast cancer must be considered: 

As with all medical treatments, HT isn’t risk-free. Dr. Nachtigall explains how risks like blood clotting and breast cancer need to be weighed carefully and personalized for each individual. 

The timing and duration of hormone therapy should be individualized: 

Hormone therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and Dr. Nachtigall emphasizes the importance of starting HT at the right time and determining the best duration for each woman. 

WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE: 

KEY LINKS & RESOURCES: 

- Learn more about hormone therapy and menopause: [Menopause Cheat Sheet] 

- Read the study discussed in this episode: [JAMA Network Open]

- Connect with Dr. Margaret Nachtigall: [NYU Langone Health]

FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE 

Be sure to subscribe to AGE BETTER with Barbara Hannah Grufferman for more conversations that help you take charge of your health and well-being as you age. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices