BEFORE WE GET TO THE hormone talk, it’s important to remember the three healthiest things a woman can do for her menopause have nothing to do with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)—they are quitting smoking, getting the recommended amount of exercise, and eating a diet that meets nutritional needs. While MHT can help many women with quality of life and sometimes longevity, greater gains can be made with these other changes. This doesn’t mean women shouldn’t use MHT; rather, it’s important to put the benefits of MHT into perspective as it’s only one piece of the menopause puzzle.