Hormone Therapy Isn’t a Yes or No Question: Why Shared Decision-Making Matters in Midlife Care

One of the most important things I want every woman to know is this:

Hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all.
And deciding whether or not it’s right for you should never be a rushed or prescriptive conversation.

At Whole Life Midwife, I approach hormone therapy the same way I approach all of midlife care: through shared decision-making, education, and deep respect for the individual.

Whether you're navigating perimenopause mood shifts, night sweats, brain fog, joint pain, or you're just not feeling like yourself, you deserve a space where you can ask questions, explore options, and make decisions that feel good in your body and in your life.

What Is Shared Decision-Making?

Shared decision-making is a collaborative process where:

You bring your lived experience, values, and preferences
I bring evidence-based information, clinical experience, and guidance
Together, we explore what options exist—what could work, what might help, and what matters most to you

It’s not about me giving you a prescription.
It’s about us having a conversation. And creating a plan that reflects your goals, your comfort level, and your evolving needs.

Hormone Therapy: It's Not All or Nothing

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be incredibly effective for many perimenopausal and menopausal women. But the conversation goes beyond “Should I take hormones or not?”

We talk about:

Which hormones (Estrogen? Progesterone? Testosterone? DHEA?)
Which form (transdermal patch, topical cream, oral, vaginal?)
What dosage (lowest effective dose or full symptom support?)
What timing (early perimenopause or years into menopause?)
What goals (sleep? mood? bone density? libido? hot flashes?)
What risks (personal and family history, labs, lifestyle?)

This is not a yes/no checkbox. It’s a nuanced, evolving, whole-life conversation.

Your Values Lead the Way

For some women, hormone therapy is life-changing. For others, it's not the right fit.
That’s why shared decision-making is so important—it’s not about convincing you into or out of something. It’s about aligning your care with your values, health goals, and lived experience.

Do you prefer to start with lifestyle and supplements first? Great.
Do you want relief from symptoms fast so you can function? I’ll help you find the safest path forward.

The decision is always yours. My job is to give you the tools and the space to make it.

The Whole Life Midwife Approach to HRT Includes:

Comprehensive assessment (symptoms, history, labs, and goals)
Education on all available options—not just prescriptions
Informed consent and time to process
Ongoing evaluation to adjust your plan as your body changes
Support for the whole system—gut, adrenals, thyroid, nervous system, and emotional health

Because hormone therapy doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Your whole body matters.

**There Is No “Right” Answer—Only Your Answer**

My role is to partner with you in the process. Not to rush it. Not to scare you. Not to make assumptions.

Just to listen. To educate. And to support your decision—whatever that may be.

So whether you’re curious about hormone therapy, confused by conflicting info online, or ready to explore a new path to feeling like yourself again, you are not alone. This is your body. This is your choice.

And I’m here to help you navigate it, with compassion and clarity.

Ready to explore hormone therapy with support, science, and heart?
Learn more about my Midlife & Beyond Wellness Program or book a personalized consultation .

With warmth,
Dr. Samara Pottier-Taccetta
Whole Life Midwife