Privacy Policy
The HRT Index respects the privacy of its readers. This policy describes what information the site collects, how it is used, who it is shared with, and the rights you have over your data. The policy applies to thehrtindex.com and to any subdomains operated by the publication. It does not apply to third-party sites we link out to, including the providers reviewed on the site, who maintain their own privacy practices.
Information we collect
Analytics. We use Google Analytics 4 to understand aggregate readership patterns, such as pages visited, approximate geography, device/browser type, referral source, and engagement. We use this information to improve the site and prioritize updates. We configure Google Analytics to anonymize IP addresses. We do not use analytics data to identify individual readers, build individual health profiles, or make automated decisions about readers.
We do not use session-replay tools on pages about hormone therapy, menopause symptoms, sexual health, vaginal symptoms, or other health topics.
Newsletter signups. If you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect the email address you provide and use it only to send you the newsletter. The newsletter is delivered through a third-party email service provider. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of every newsletter email.
Contact form. If you submit our contact form, we collect the name, email address, organization, inquiry type, and message you provide, and we use them only to respond to your inquiry. Please do not include personal health information in messages to us unless it is necessary for your inquiry.
Affiliate cookies (when active).Currently, no provider links on this site are affiliate links. If active affiliate relationships are added in the future, clicking a labeled “Visit [Provider]” button may cause the provider's affiliate system to set an attribution cookie on your browser. That cookie does not contain personally identifying information. See our affiliate disclosure.
How we use information
- To operate, maintain, and improve the site.
- To send you the newsletter when that service is active and you have subscribed.
- To respond to inquiries you send us.
- To understand aggregate site usage and editorial reach.
- To detect, prevent, and address technical or security issues.
We do not sell personal information. We do not use personal information to make automated decisions that produce legal effects for you.
Cookies
We use limited analytics cookies to understand aggregate site usage. If affiliate links are later added, destination providers or affiliate networks may set attribution cookies after you click out to their site. You can disable cookies in your browser settings. Doing so will not prevent you from reading The HRT Index.
Third-party service providers
We use third-party service providers to operate the site, measure aggregate traffic, process contact-form submissions when that service is active, prevent spam, and maintain security. These providers may process limited personal information only for the services they provide to us.
Current service providers include: website hosting (Replit), analytics (Google Analytics 4, anonymized IP), contact-form processing (Formspree, setup pending), and spam/security tools (none active as of May 26, 2026). We do not currently use email-newsletter delivery or affiliate attribution vendors because neither service is active as of May 26, 2026.
Data retention
Newsletter email addresses are retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion. Contact-form messages are retained for up to 24 months unless a longer period is needed to resolve an inquiry, legal issue, correction, or security matter. Analytics data is retained according to the settings in our analytics tools and is used in aggregate form.
Your rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA, as amended by the CPRA), the Colorado Privacy Act, the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act, and similar state laws. These rights generally include the right to know what personal information we have collected, the right to request deletion, the right to correct inaccurate information, and the right to opt out of certain processing. To exercise any of these rights, please email privacy@thehrtindex.com or reach us via our contact pageand choose “Privacy request” as the inquiry type.
Washington State residents and residents of other states with consumer health data laws should also see our Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy.
Children
The site is not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top of the page reflects the most recent revision. Material changes will be highlighted in the site footer.
Contact
For privacy questions, please email privacy@thehrtindex.com or reach us via our contact page.