Key Takeaways

Bothersome symptoms of menopause often start years in advance

New research suggests that beginning estrogen therapy during that transition may have long-term health benefits

Women should explore the risks and benefits of starting sooner, rather than later

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 22, 2025 (HealthDay News) — For women weighing whether to use estrogen to manage hot flashes, sleep issues and other bothersome symptoms as menopause approaches, it may make sense not to wait.

New research shows that perimenopausal women who had used estrogen for at least 10 years before their periods stopped for good had 60% lower odds for breast cancer , heart attack and stroke , compared to women who never took hormones.

The findings were scheduled for presentation at a meeting of The Menopause

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