Menopause Through the Ages: From Leeches to Patches
If menopause feels confusing, you're not imagining it. One minute you hear HRT is life-changing, the next you read a headline warning about risks. No wonder so many women are left wondering what to believe.
Part of the confusion comes from the fact that attitudes towards menopause have changed dramatically over the years. And when we say dramatically, we mean it.
When Nobody Talked About It
For most of history, menopause wasn't really discussed, women simply got on with it, often in silence.
Doctors had their own theories, many of which sound bizarre today. Symptoms were blamed on everything from "nervous disorders" to imbalances in the body, and treatments ranged from herbal remedies to bloodletting.
Thankfully, we've left the leeches in the past.
As women began living longer, doctors started paying more attention to menopause, but not always in a positive way. During the 1800s, it was often viewed as a medical problem rather than a normal stage of life. In fact, the term menopause was first coined by French physician Charles-Pierre-Louis de Gardanne in 1821.¹ [academic.oup.com]
Then Hormones Changed Everything
In the early 20th century, scientists discovered oestrogen and finally began to understand some of the biological changes behind menopause symptoms.
By the 1960s, HRT had become hugely popular. It was promoted as a way to help women stay youthful, energetic and vibrant. Some of the messaging made it sound as though menopause was something to be avoided altogether.
Looking back, it was a classic case of over-selling a solution.
The HRT Reputation Crisis
Then came the early 2000s.
A major study called the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) reported possible links between HRT and conditions such as breast cancer, stroke and heart disease. The headlines were frightening, and women understandably stopped taking it in huge numbers. [jamanetwork.com], [whi.org]
Many doctors became cautious too. For years afterwards, fear often dominated the conversation.
What We Understand Today
Thankfully, the picture is much clearer now.
Researchers have spent the last two decades digging deeper into the evidence and have learned that the story is far more nuanced than those early headlines suggested. Follow-up analyses of the WHI studies have helped healthcare professionals better understand which women are most likely to benefit from HRT and how factors such as age and timing influence risk. [whi.org]
We now know that factors such as age, health history, timing and the type of HRT used all matter.
Modern HRT isn't the same as the treatments used decades ago. Today's options often include patches, gels and sprays, and treatment plans can be tailored to the individual rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Current UK guidance recommends personalised discussions around risks, benefits and treatment choices. [nice.org.uk], [thebms.org.uk]
There are also more non-hormonal options available than ever before.
So Where Does That Leave Us?
In a much better place, thankfully. Rather than being told to "just put up with it" or being sold a miracle cure, women today have access to better information, more choices and a growing understanding that menopause deserves proper support. For some, HRT is transformative. For others, lifestyle changes, non-hormonal treatments or a combination of approaches may feel like the right fit.
The important thing is that there are options.
The Real Lesson
The history of menopause care is a bit like a pendulum.
We've swung from ignoring women altogether, to treating menopause as something that needed fixing, to fearing treatment, and finally towards something far more sensible: informed, personalised care.
The history of menopause care is a bit like a pendulum.
The reality is that there is no single "right" way through menopause. What works brilliantly for one woman may not be the right fit for another. Some women thrive on HRT, others prefer non-hormonal options, and many benefit from a combination of medical support and lifestyle changes.
But one thing we understand far better today than we did even a generation ago is the importance of looking beyond symptom management and supporting long-term health.
As oestrogen levels decline, women naturally lose muscle mass and bone density more quickly. That's why strength training is increasingly recognised as one of the most powerful tools for supporting healthy ageing, helping to maintain bone health, balance, confidence and independence for years to come.
Ready to Invest in Your Future Health?
If you'd like to learn more about how strength training can support you through menopause and beyond, we'd love to welcome you to our upcoming Strength Workshop.
Designed specifically for women in midlife and beyond, we'll explore why strength matters, how to get started safely and confidently, and simple ways to build strength that fit into real life.
🎟️ Places are limited and booking is essential.
And if you're looking for personalised advice on managing menopause symptoms, treatment options or lifestyle changes, our team is here to help.
Because menopause isn't something you should have to navigate alone.
We've left the leeches behind. We've replaced them with dumbbells. Much better results. 🎃💪💚
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