Today, menopausal women are young in the scale of things, says Dr. Wulf Utian, noting that menopause typically starts between age 45 and 60. If women start hormones within in a few years of menopause or even a few years before, he says there are numerous benefits beyond controlling hot flashes. These benefits include reduced risk of bone fractures, reduced risk of diabetes and for many women, an overall boost in their quality of life — meaning better sleep, maintenance of libido and more comfortable sex.