Why Menopause Research Is Behind the Times—and How You Can Get Straight Answers

Let’s talk about the elephant in the exam room. 

If you’ve ever walked into a doctor’s office feeling like your body’s been hijacked—hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, weight gain—and walked out with a shrug and a suggestion to “try yoga,” or “eat less, move more,” or worse… “It’s just part of aging.” You are not alone. 

The reality is: menopause affects half the population, yet research into this phase of life (which can be 30+ years long or more) is decades behind. Women have been told to tough it out, be grateful they’re no longer dealing with periods, and stop complaining. And honestly? I’m over it. 

So let’s pull back the curtain on why this has happened, what the latest research says, and how you can finally start getting the answers you deserve. 

Why Has Menopause Research Been So Behind?

1. Gender bias in medicine

Until the 1990s, women were regularly excluded from clinical trials. We were told our hormones made things “too complicated.” (Insert eye roll.) As a result, most research was done on men, and findings were generalized to women, completely ignoring our unique physiology.

2. The fallout from the WHI study

The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2002 rocked the HRT world—and not in a good way. It scared women and doctors alike away from hormone therapy. What most people didn’t hear? That the study’s design had major flaws, and the women enrolled were, on average, 12 years past menopause—well outside what is considered the optimal window for HRT. Also overlooked was the finding that synthetic progestins were the bad actors when it came to cancer risk.

3. The stigma of menopause

Let’s be honest—menopause is not a common dinner table topic. There’s been a collective silence around menopause, as if acknowledging it means it doesn’t exist. That silence has made it easier to ignore…and harder to fund.

4. It’s not “sexy” science

Pharmaceutical companies haven’t historically rushed to fund menopause research. It’s not profitable in the same way as, say, erectile dysfunction. Believe me, if this happened to men, it would be a whole different ball game. And because many of the most effective interventions (like lifestyle changes) can’t be patented, they don’t attract the same investment. Follow the money, ladies. 

The Good News: 2025 Research Is Catching Up 

Here’s what the most current research and guidelines (from NAMS, ACOG, and others) are telling us now: 

✅ Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is safe and effective when started within 10 years of menopause or before age 60. Benefits include relief from hot flashes, prevention of bone loss, and even possible brain and heart protection when used appropriately. Although this “window” is in the current recommendations, there are studies coming out that suggest hormone therapy can be beneficial even if it’s started after 10 years in menopause. 

✅ Individualization is key. There is no one-size-fits-all answer for every woman. The right approach takes into account your symptoms, age, risk factors, personal goals, and quality of life. 

✅ Non-hormonal options are available—including SSRIs, gabapentin, lifestyle shifts, and newer options like neurokinin B antagonists. If HRT isn’t right for you, you’re not out of luck. Having said this, I am not a big fan of SSRIs for menopause symptoms. They are very hard to stop and don’t solve the underlying problem…BUT they may be the only choice in some situations. 

✅ Functional and integrative approaches are finally getting some love. Testing like DUTCH for hormones, gut health panels, and targeted supplementation are helping women fine-tune their plan with data. This is where my practice shines. I offer all of this testing, but don’t worry, blood testing works too if your budget doesn’t allow for a functional deep dive.  

✅ Cognitive and brain health during menopause is finally getting attention. Estrogen plays a major role in mood and memory, and researchers are exploring how to protect the brain during this transition. Check out Dr. Lisa Mosconi’s work in this area. 

What You Can Do to Get Clear Answers 

Here’s where you get your power back.

1. Educate yourself.

Yes, it can feel like drinking from a firehose. But knowledge is your first line of defense against being dismissed. My book and blog are a great place to start.

2. Advocate like hell.

If your doctor says, “You’re too young for menopause,” or “It’s just aging,” find a new doctor. You deserve someone who takes your symptoms seriously. Check out this blog post I wrote on how to get the care you need. Can’t find the words to have the conversation with your provider? One of the services I provide for my clients is SCRIPTING to open that door.

Click here to read my tips on working with your doctor.

3. Test, don’t guess.

Data changes everything. Hormone testing, gut testing, and organic acid testing—all can help connect the dots and personalize your care. Some providers disagree with this “because hormones are always changing”. This is true for ALL lab tests, but we still do them and use them to make clinical decisions. I am firmly in the “test, don’t guess” camp.

4. Consider HRT with the right provider.

This isn’t your mother’s hormone therapy. We now know how to dose and deliver hormones more safely and effectively. And no, you don’t have to suffer through the next decade “naturally” unless that’s your choice. Can’t find a provider? My team can help.

5. Join a community.

Whether it’s my Hormone Harmony group or another supportive circle, there’s something powerful about knowing you’re not alone.

You Deserve Better—And You Can Have It 

Menopause doesn’t have to mean misery, confusion, or silence. We’re in a new era of science, advocacy, and support—but only if you know where to look and who to trust. 

This is your body. This is your brain. This is your midlife renaissance. 

Let’s stop settling for vague answers and start demanding better care and research. 

And if you’re having trouble getting what you need, my team can help. Schedule a consultation with me and let’s design a care plan just for you. www.drannagarrett.com/lets-talk