Frequently Asked Questions

For many healthy women, hormone therapy is considered safe and effective when appropriately prescribed. Safety depends on factors such as timing, dose, formulation, and route of administration. Risks and benefits are reviewed in the context of your personal health profile rather than generalized headlines.

MHT (menopausal hormone therapy) and HRT (hormone replacement therapy) are often used interchangeably. MHT is the more accurate term because the goal is not to restore hormones to premenopausal levels, but to use the lowest effective dose to relieve symptoms and support health after menopause.

Yes. When hormone therapy is appropriate, Dr. Bernstein often prescribes hormones that are bioidentical, meaning they have the same chemical structure as hormones produced by the body. The terms bioidentical and natural are commonly used in marketing but do not indicate how a hormone is made or whether it is safer. Treatment decisions are based on evidence, safety, dose, and formulation rather than labels.

Yes. Hormones are one option, not the only option. Non-hormonal approaches may include prescription medications, lifestyle strategies, targeted supplements when supported by evidence, pelvic health interventions, and behavioral approaches, depending on symptoms and goals.

Yes. Hormones are one tool, not the only option. Treatment plans may include non-hormonal prescription medications, targeted supplements when supported by evidence, lifestyle strategies, pelvic floor therapy, and behavioral approaches. Recommendations are individualized and based on symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences.

Yes. Many patients seek care specifically because they prefer non-hormonal options or cannot use hormones. Treatment focuses on symptom relief, quality of life, and long-term health using appropriate non-hormonal strategies.

Hormone pellets are one form of hormone delivery, but they are not routinely recommended in menopause care. Pellets are not FDA approved and are not recommended by major professional medical organizations involved in menopause care. They deliver a fixed dose of hormone that cannot be adjusted once placed, which limits flexibility and can increase the risk of side effects such as excessively high hormone levels, mood changes, acne, hair loss, or abnormal bleeding. Because dosing cannot be fine-tuned and long-term safety data are limited, care at Purely Menopause focuses on hormone options that allow individualized dosing, monitoring, and adjustment over time.