We’re big believers in informed choices - not fear-driven ones. That’s why we wanted to share an article from our friend, Dr. Claire Phipps - GP, BMS Menopause Specialist, Trainer, and member of the BMS Medical Advisory Council.
In this blog Dr. Phipps addresses the pressure some women may feel to jump into hormone therapy - even when they’re not experiencing significant symptoms.
Claire writes:
" ! Unpopular opinion alert !
Not every woman needs HRT to thrive. And that’s okay. In recent years I have been troubled by the idea that HRT is a cure all.
Before anyone gets angry…….I’m not talking here about the absolute need for it in certain circumstances.
As a menopause specialist, I’ve worked with many women who transition with little to no symptoms. They often come to me saying that they feel like they’re waiting for the other shoe to drop—or wondering if they’re “missing out” by not starting hormone therapy.
If you’re symptom-free, feeling good, and your quality of life is intact, there’s no need to jump into HRT out of fear of missing out. We do need to think about your long term health in other ways though, so being proactive and seeking advice is recommended.
Yes, HRT can be incredibly helpful for managing symptoms, and it can support bone, heart, and brain health in certain women. But it’s not the only way to protect these systems.
There are other powerful tools at our fingertips:
* For bones: Resistance training, protein, calcium, vitamin D, and limiting alcohol make a real difference.
* For the heart: Staying active, eating well, managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress—these matter just as much as hormones.
* For cognitive clarity: Sleep, movement, learning new things, social connection, and blood sugar balance are essential.
The goal is informed choice, not fear-based decisions.
If you’re feeling well and wondering if you should be doing more—know that your body might be doing well. You’re not behind. You haven’t missed the boat. There is no one-size-fits-all in menopause.
Having a menopause consultation with a BMS specialist will guide you through ALL options - hormones, alternatives, lifestyle, nutrition, movement, self care practices, supplements for example. Just because your mate is on HRT doesn’t necessarily mean you should be. There may be a more suitable option for you and informed consent and shared care decision making is vital."
