Myths vs facts: Östradiol and Wechseljahre

Estradiol is the primary estrogen in reproductive-age women. During menopause, levels drop sharply, causing hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. **Fact:** This decline is hormonally driven and well-established. **Myth:** Not every woman needs hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT can effectively relieve symptoms but carries increased risks of thrombosis and breast cancer depending on age, duration, and type. **Myth:** Estradiol alone does not 'reverse aging' – it only replaces a missing hormone. Phytoestrogens and other 'natural' alternatives have weak evidence. Overall evidence is strong for the hormonal decline, moderate to mixed for HRT benefits and risks. Caveat: No consumer test (DNA or blood) can determine the optimal HRT regimen; clinical evaluation and risk assessment are essential.