Menopause can be a challenge.
Common symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia are tough enough.
But the long-term impacts from estrogen deficiency increase the risk for developing age-related conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, and even dementia.
For decades, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been used to treat the symptoms menopause, while simultaneously promoting better long-term health.
However, the myths and misinformation about hormone therapy have abounded since the 1990s, resulting in a hesitance among many women to harness its many benefits.
Let’s take a look at seven of the most common myths about HRT and menopause relative to what the truth is.
Myth #1: HRT is only for severe menopause symptoms
Many women (and physicians for that matter) subscribe to the idea that HRT is a treatment of last resort to be used only when symptoms are severe.
The truth? Even mild menopause symptoms can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life. Meanwhile, HRT can alleviate hot flashes, mood swings, and brain fog, to name just a few of the many symptoms that can be relieved. HRT also protects bone health, heart function, cognition, and genitourinary health.
The bottom line is that HRT can effectively alleviate all of the various symptoms of menopause, be they minor, moderate, or severe.
Myth #2: HRT causes weight gain
It’s true…many women will gain weight leading up to and after menopause.
But HRT is not the cause of that weight gain (when prescribed correctly).
The truth is that deficient hormones are the culprit when it comes to weight that is gained during perimenopause and menopause. And HRT is the cure.
Myth #3: HRT increases breast cancer risk
This myth stems from a major study that was done during the 1990s. Known as the Women’s Health Initiative Study, its results suggested that women on HRT showed a greater risk for developing breast cancer.
However…that study has since been deemed to be extremely flawed. In particular:
- A large percentage of the participants were overweight and had pre-existing health issues.
- The study only used synthetic hormones (rather than the bioidentical hormones that comprise today’s best practice).
- A high percentage of the participants dropped out of the study early, thus skewing the results.
More recent studies, that have been well-designed and properly conducted, show no increase in breast cancer risk so long as best practice is followed. In fact, some studies have shown a reduction in breast cancer risk.
Myth #4: Herbal and OTC remedies work as well as HRT
Many herbal supplements and soy products claim to balance hormones and relieve menopause symptoms.
While they may provide some relief, these benefits are usually limited and temporary (likely due to a placebo effect). And they cannot accomplish the overall health benefits that HRT provides.
Myth #5: You can only take HRT for a few years
Many physicians who are not properly trained in prescribing HRT still operate under the erroneous idea that HRT should only be used for the shortest amount of time possible, and only when a woman’s symptoms are at their worst.
This outdated approach robs women of the many health-promoting benefits that properly prescribed HRT can provide for the long haul. More current protocols look upon HRT as being something that women can do for the remainder of their lives so long as they’re healthy and it’s working well for them.
Myth #6: It isn’t safe to start HRT after 60
Age alone should not be the sole determinant around whether or not a woman can begin HRT.
It is certainly the case that the earlier a woman starts HRT, the greater her benefits are likely to be. But this in no way means women can’t begin treatment at a later age and still gain benefits in terms of bone strength, brain health, energy level, and overall well-being.
Myth #7: HRT is only for hot flashes
HRT does far more than just stop hot flashes. It relieves numerous menopause symptoms such as brain fog, weight gain, mood instability (i.e. depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings), insomnia, low libido, vaginal dryness, fatigue, and more.
And…HRT protects against age-related conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, vaginal dryness and atrophy, pelvic floor issues, and cognitive decline.
Is HRT Right for You?
Bioidentical HRT is a powerful tool for women who want to be as healthy as possible for as long as possible. A customized HRT program not only relieves symptoms, but it can also improve long-term health.
Don’t let myths keep you from feeling your best and being your healthiest. Want to learn more about the benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement? Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation.