In this must-listen episode of Crazy Stupid Midlife, Renee steps into the listener’s chair while Dannielle, a licensed nurse practitioner, shares her expert insights on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the hormonal rollercoaster of midlife. From night sweats and mood swings to bone health and beyond, they dig into the science, the stigma, and the stories that make menopause anything but simple.

Together, they explore:

• What HRT really is—and what it isn’t
• The truth behind common myths (yes, we’re talking about that cancer rumor)
• Holistic strategies that support hormonal wellness
• Why personalized care and self-advocacy are everything

With over 1 billion women expected to be in menopause by 2025, this episode is your guide to navigating the transition with clarity, support, and a whole lot less confusion.

Resources & References from the Episode:

Curious to learn more? Below you’ll find links to the peer-reviewed studies and trusted resources that Dannielle references in this episode. Whether you’re researching HRT or just want to dig deeper into hormonal health, we’ve got the science to back it up.

1. Women's Health Initiative (WHI)
   Study: Rossouw et al. (2002), JAMA
   Summary: Initial findings showed increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. However, follow-up analyses clarified these risks were age- and timing-dependent. For healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, benefits often outweigh risks.
2. Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS)
   Study: Harman et al., Annals of Internal Medicine, 2014
   Summary: Found that HRT started early in menopause is safe, supports mood, bone health, and does not increase cardiovascular risk.
3. ELITE Trial (Early vs. Late Intervention Trial with Estradiol)
   Study: Hodis et al., New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), 2016
   Summary: Showed that early initiation of estradiol therapy slows atherosclerosis progression, while late initiation offers no cardiovascular benefit.
4. North American Menopause Society (NAMS) 2022 Position Statement
   Source: Menopause Journal, 2022
   Summary: Endorses HRT for healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause to relieve symptoms and reduce risks of osteoporosis and possibly cardiovascular disease.
5. International Menopause Society (IMS) Global Consensus 2022
   Source: Climacteric Journal, 2022
   Summary: Supports use of personalized HRT as safe and effective for symptom management and long-term health in early postmenopause.
6. British Menopause Society (BMS) Guidelines 2020
   Source: BMS Consensus Statement
   Summary: Offers practical clinical advice supporting individualized HRT, especially body-identical hormones, as a safe option for symptom relief and long-term health.

For menopause care:

• Visit The Menopause Society to find a certif

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