Recent studies suggest that Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) may be associated with reduced mortality in women, particularly when initiated early in menopause. BHRT, which uses hormones identical in structure to those naturally produced by the body, has been shown to provide benefits that extend beyond symptom relief to support cardiovascular health, bone density, and cognitive function—all factors closely linked to mortality outcomes in postmenopausal women.
A pivotal study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that women who began estrogen therapy within ten years of menopause experienced a significant reduction in all-cause mortality compared to non-users, primarily due to decreased rates of cardiovascular disease (Hodis et al., 2016). Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among postmenopausal women, and bioidentical estrogen, particularly when applied transdermally, appears to carry a lower risk of blood clotting and stroke compared to synthetic hormones, as reviewed in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (Rossouw et al., 2007).
Another review in Menopause journal highlights that bioidentical hormones, especially when balanced with natural progesterone, contribute to improved metabolic profiles, better blood pressure regulation, and preservation of lean body mass, which are all factors in reducing morbidity and mortality (Moyer et al., 2019). These findings suggest that BHRT may provide a protective effect on heart health and overall longevity, supporting its role as a valuable therapy in managing the health of aging women.
References:
- Hodis, H. N., et al. (2016). “The timing hypothesis: estrogen and progestin therapy for cardiovascular health.” The American Journal of Medicine, 129(5), 482-486.
- Rossouw, J. E., et al. (2007). “Postmenopausal hormone therapy and risk of cardiovascular disease by age and years since menopause.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 92(7), 2861-2870.
- Moyer, A. M., et al. (2019). “Effects of bioidentical hormone therapy on cardiovascular risk markers.” Menopause, 26(6), 632-639.
