Most Common Myths about HRT.

There are many myths surrounding hormone therapy (HT) and menopause that can cause confusion and unnecessary fear. Here are ten of the most common ones:

1. Hormone Therapy Causes Cancer

• While the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study raised concerns about breast cancer risk, later analyses showed that for many women, especially those under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits of HT outweigh the risks.

2. Menopause Symptoms Are Just a Normal Part of Aging – You Have to Suffer Through Them

• Menopause symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, mood swings, and sleep disturbances can significantly impact quality of life. HT and lifestyle changes can provide effective relief.

3. Hormone Therapy Only Helps With Hot Flashes

• HT helps with more than just hot flashes—it can also improve sleep, mood, bone health, skin elasticity, and vaginal dryness, as well as reduce the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

4. Natural or Bioidentical Hormones Are Safer Than Conventional HT

• This statement is a misnomer and jumble of terms. The word ‘bioidentical’ is a marketing term. It is used to sell hormone formulations that are generally more expensive than FDA approved forms. Bioidentical means ‘body identical’ so the same as we make in our bodies. There are many FDA approved hormone treatment therapy that are also ‘bioidentical’ and generally more cost effective. Yes I would agree that body identical hormone therapies are safer than synthetic forms of hormone therapy. We do however use other formulations in certain situations. It’s important that every patient is treated as an individual.

5. Hormone Therapy Leads to Weight Gain

• There’s no solid evidence that HT causes weight gain. In fact, estrogen therapy may help prevent abdominal fat accumulation associated with menopause.

6. Once You Start Hormone Therapy, You Can Never Stop

• HT is not a lifetime commitment. The duration varies for each person and can be gradually tapered when appropriate.

7. Only Women With Severe Symptoms Need Hormone Therapy

• Even women with mild symptoms or concerns about bone health, heart health, or cognitive decline may benefit from hormone therapy.

8. Hormone Therapy Increases the Risk of Heart Disease

• When initiated before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause, HT can actually reduce cardiovascular risk rather than increase it.

9. Hormone Therapy Causes Blood Clots and Stroke in All Women

• While oral estrogen slightly increases clot risk, transdermal (patch, gel, or spray) estrogen does not appear to have the same risks.

10. Menopause is Just About Estrogen

• Other hormones, like progesterone and testosterone, also play essential roles in mood, libido, bone health, and energy levels, and may be part of a balanced hormone therapy plan.