For decades, women have been told that hormone replacement therapy causes breast cancer, but where did that message come from, and is it the full story? In this episode, Mary Alice Haney is joined by former SheMD executive producer and award-winning storyteller, Ami Armstrong, to unpack the Women's Health Initiative, the landmark study that changed the course of menopause care for an entire generation. Together, they explore how one of the largest women's health studies ever conducted became one of the most misunderstood, and why many experts are working to correct the narrative today.Mary Alice and Ami break down the difference between relative and absolute risk, discuss how media headlines fueled decades of fear around hormone therapy, and explain what today's research says about menopause treatment. They also examine why women have historically been left out of medical research, the importance of personalized healthcare, and how understanding your own risks can empower you to make informed decisions alongside your doctor.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.SponsorsK'chava: Treat yourself to a childhood favorite. Go to kachava.com and use code SheMD for 15% off your first order. Midi Health: Book your first virtual visit today at joinmidi.com. Babel: Right now, Babbel is offering listeners up to 60% off. Go to babbel.com/shemd. Rules and restrictions may apply. Osea: Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code SheMD at oseamalibu.com. Cash App: Parents and legal guardians can open a managed account for kids aged six through 12. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Opill: Opill is birth control in your control. Check out Opill to see if it is right for you. You can find Opill at most major retailers in store and online at opill.com. What You’ll LearnWhy the Women's Health Initiative became one of the most influential and controversial studies in women's health.The difference between relative risk and absolute risk, and why that distinction matters.How media coverage dramatically changed public perception of hormone replacement therapy.Why today's menopause hormone therapy differs from what was studied in the original trial.How women were historically excluded from clinical research and how that affected medical care.What current evidence says about the timing of hormone therapy and menopause treatment.Why understanding your personal health risks leads to better conversations with your doctor.Key TimestampsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.