Facts vs. Myths About Hormone Therapy

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.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT VIVELLE-DOT (AN ESTROGEN HORMONE)?

Estrogens increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are taking estrogens. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb).

Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your risk of dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills).

Vivelle-Dot should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.

The most common side effects that may occur with Vivelle-Dot are headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.

¹Vivelle-Dot is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; help reduce your chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones); and treat certain conditions in which a young woman’s ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day is only used to prevent osteoporosis from menopause. If you use Vivelle-Dot only to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina or if you use Vivelle-Dot only to prevent osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your healthcare professional about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you.

You and your healthcare professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with Vivelle-Dot.