Martha Stewart, 85, has attributed her long-held youthful appearance to estrogen, a sex hormone she has been taking for over four decades. The lifestyle entrepreneur shared this revelation during a panel discussion in New York City, hosted by her skincare brand, Elm Biosciences.
Stewart stated that she began taking estrogen at approximately 42 years old and believes it has been "very helpful" in maintaining her vitality. She uses Dotti, a brand of transdermal skin patches, to supplement her estrogen levels.
"I've been on it, and I think that has helped me keep my strong bones and a strong body," Stewart said, recalling that in the 1980s, when she first started hormone therapy, doctors expressed concerns about cancer risks associated with estrogen.
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning on estrogen-containing menopause hormone therapy in 2003 following findings from the Women's Health Initiative, this warning was lifted on many hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs in 2025. Current research suggests that the risks and benefits of HRT are nuanced and depend on individual health histories.
Stewart's regimen also includes a daily routine that begins with reading The New York Times and completing puzzles, followed by Pilates or gym sessions. She also previously disclosed that she receives a "little bit of fillers" every four months from dermatologist Dr. Dan Belkin and utilizes peptides and regular facials to maintain her skin.
"I have not had any plastic surgery at all. I don't think I need it," Stewart said in a recent interview, while also clarifying that she has no plans for major body enhancements like breast or buttock augmentations.
Estrogen is a crucial female sex hormone that plays a vital role in sexual and reproductive health. Its levels typically decline during menopause, which can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood disturbances, and insomnia, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
