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Facts vs. Myths About Hormone Therapy (HT) |
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There are lots of myths floating around about hormone therapy and menopause. So here's
some useful information on hormone therapy and menopause to help you navigate through
some of the more common myths.
Myths About Safety of Hormone Therapy
Myth #1: Hormone therapy is unsafe.
Answer: As with all medications, there are risks and benefits to hormone therapy, which can
be different for each woman. Estrogen encourages the growth of some breast
cancers and may be a problem for women with gallbladder or liver problems,
blood clots or vaginal bleeding. However, for some women the risks may be
outweighed by relief of moderate to severe symptoms during menopause.1 Talk to your doctor about your risk associated with
hormone therapy.
Myths About Types of HT
Myth #2: All hormone therapies are alike.
Answer: There are several different types of hormone therapies including
patches, pills and emulsions. While all hormone therapies have similarities,
there are differences in dosage strength, delivery (patch, pill or emulsion),
indication (used for vaginal dryness or osteoporosis), regimen (combination
therapy, estrogen-only therapy) and frequency (every day, twice a week, etc.).
Some therapies include a combination of hormones, while others are estrogen
only.
Myth #3: Hormone therapy can only be taken in the form of a pill.
Actually, hormone therapy for treatment of moderate to severe hot flashes comes in various
forms. The most common non-pill product is the patch, but an emulsion and
vaginal rings are also available.
Myth #4: All women need the same type of hormone therapy.
Answer: Some women are fine without any therapy. Women without a uterus that
have menopausal symptoms can be treated with estrogen only. Women who still
have a uterus would likely be treated with estrogen plus progestin. Adding
progestin helps prevent cancer of the uterus.
Myths About Symptoms of Hormone Therapy
Myth #5: Hormone therapy is going to take care of all my symptoms.
Answer: Hormone therapy may not relieve all of your moderate to severe hot flashes. It is
generally used to reduce hot flashes and vaginal dryness.1 HT works best when used in conjunction with a healthy
diet, getting regular exercise and visiting the doctor regularly.
Myth #6: Estrogen Therapy (ET) causes weight gain.
Answer: Estrogen therapy does not cause permanent weight gain. Some women experience
temporary weight gain due to water retention. A slowing
metabolism, common as people age, should be accounted for in reduced calorie
intake and regular exercise. Estrogen therapies, including Vivelle-Dot®, are not indicated for weight loss.
Myth #7: I should avoid sex after menopause because vaginal dryness will make
it uncomfortable.
Answer: Your estrogen levels may be decreasing during menopause, but that doesn’t have to affect
your love life. Surprisingly, frequent sexual activity can be an effective
remedy for vaginal dryness. Studies show that women who are sexually active
during menopause are less likely to develop symptoms of vaginal dryness because
sexual activity increases blood flow to the vagina, keeping the tissue healthy.
You can also try over-the-counter lubricants or estrogen therapy to help
vaginal dryness. If you use Vivelle-Dot only to treat dryness, itching and
burning in and around your vagina, talk with your healthcare professional
about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be
better for you.
Myth #8: Once you start hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms,
you will always be on it.
Answer: It is recommended that women who use hormone therapy to manage
menopausal symptoms use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
Different solutions are right for different women, depending on each woman’s
health history, current symptoms and personal preferences. You and your doctor
should regularly discuss if you still need treatment with hormone therapy.
Together you can make the right choice for you.
Myth #9: Menopause is "a natural phase of life" so I won’t need
to take hormone therapy.
Answer: While menopause is a normal occurrence for every woman, changes in
hormones may cause a variety of symptoms that can be uncomfortable. Hormone
therapy is an option to treat your moderate to severe menopausal symptoms such
as hot flashes.
Myth #10: Hormone therapy provides protection against heart disease.
Answer: Hormone therapy does not provide protection against heart disease.
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