That’s why we were excited to see Balance: A Perimenopause Journey, a new four-part docuseries that became available on Prime and Apple TV on January 30.
The series dives headfirst into the messy, nuanced, and often controversial reality of perimenopause, and in many ways, it echoes what so many women in our community tell us every single day.
Here’s a recap of the first two episodes and why they matter.
Shining a Light on a Long-Ignored Chapter
At its core, Balance sheds light on a universal experience that has been anything but universally understood. Perimenopause has often been medicalized without nuance, brushed off as “just part of aging,” or treated with a one-size-fits-all approach that simply doesn’t work.
More specifically, the docuseries follows two women navigating perimenopause, as they speak with a range of healthcare practitioners—including Dr. Mary Claire Haver and Dr. Rachel Rubin among others—about symptoms, treatment options, and best practices.
What they quickly discover is that even among experts, opinions are often deeply polarized.
The HRT Debate
The first two episodes focus heavily on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the controversial science surrounding it.
Much of this debate traces back to the early 2000s, when the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) published research suggesting that hormone therapy increases the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. The impact was immediate and dramatic, as HRT prescriptions plummeted in the years that followed.
In the decades since, more and more doctors have revisited the data and questioned how it was interpreted and communicated. Some believe there was a massive misrepresentation of the findings. Others see value in HRT when prescribed thoughtfully and appropriately. And at least one doctor featured in the series remains firmly opposed.
What becomes clear is that there is no universal agreement, and no single right answer for every woman in this stage of your life.
The Biggest Takeaway: Advocate for Yourself
If there’s one message that stands out in these first two episodes, it’s this: When it comes to your health, you have to advocate for yourself.
That means asking questions. Pushing for answers when you’re dismissed. Seeking second (or third) opinions. And doing your own research, even when the medical landscape feels confusing or contradictory.
This is something we hear from Empower women all the time. The perimenopause journey may be universal, but the experience is deeply personal. What works for one woman may not work for another.
At Empower, we’re here to be part of that dialogue: to listen, to share evidence-based information, and to help you figure out what’s best for you, now and in the future. You don’t have to navigate this chapter alone.
