If you haven’t already seen Sex and the City 2, the movie offers more than just fun, laughs, and woman-power--it provokes thought on an important medical issue.

In one of the wild storylines, Samantha Jones (played by Kim Cattrall) is going through menopause and using bio- identical hormones as her treatment: estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. Most women don’t even know this natural hormone alternative exists since the last word from their doctor (and the news) was that synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) significantly increases one’s risk of heart disease and breast cancer.

What is more, any breast cancer survivor in the audience who remembers Samantha’s history would consider her treatment as downright bad medicine.  But, is it?  Is Hollywood so irresponsible?  Should one take medical advice from a movie anyway?

Bio-identical hormones are completely different molecules from synthetic hormones. What is more, they are actually more effective and safer than synthetic hormones for the treatment of menopause.  In fact, Hollywood’s decision to raise awareness about bio-identical hormones in Sex and the City 2 is cutting-edge in comparison to Broadway’s choice to promote antidepressants and “welcome and celebrate” menopause in Menopause The Musical.

Sex and the City 2 offers new information about menopause therapy for women to think about and discuss with their doctor.

-Shira Miller, M.D.