More than 80% of women experience hot flashes before, during, and after menopause. These common symptoms can make it hard to concentrate, work, or feel comfortable in your own skin.

Finding a solution is a priority, but many women have been put off by misguided information about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy (HT) related to initial (erroneous) conclusions from the Women's Health Initiative.

Fortunately, a recent study from Brigham and Women's Hospital corrects the misinformation and confirms that if you're 60 or younger, taking HT to ease hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopause symptoms provides benefits with minor risks.

It also reduces the risk of hip fractures and related deaths. 

We're not surprised because we've been telling writing about safely using HT since 2007 in our books.

We do, however, recommend taking a low-dose aspirin daily with a glass of water before and after to counter HT's major risk, blood clots.

Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of HT for you. If it’s needed or desired, explore nonhormonal treatments. Stress management and yoga can help, as can some antidepressants and plant-based phytoestrogens.

Supplements with isoflavone, a type of phytoestrogen, are also available.