In the early 2000s, 2 studies claimed there were major risks associated with HRT, including breast cancer, stroke, and heart disease. These studies caused widespread fear and confusion, leading millions of women and providers to abandon HRT almost overnight. But here’s what those headlines didn’t tell you: - The women studied were, on average, well past menopause (often in their 60s or 70s). - They were given synthetic hormones — specifically, conjugated equine estrogens (from horse urine) and s