Myths About Estrogen Therapy

When considering the range of options for treating symptoms associated with menopause, you may encounter some common misconceptions about hormone therapy. Below, we clear up some of the most common myths.

Myth #1: Hormone therapy should no longer be prescribed.

Answer: As with all medications, there are risks and benefits to hormone therapy, which should be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Estrogen encourages the growth of some breast cancers and may be a problem for women with gallbladder or liver problems, blood clots, or unexplained uterine bleeding. However, for some women the risks may be outweighed by relief from moderate to severe hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal atrophy and dryness associated with menopause.

Myth #2: All hormone therapies are alike.

Answer: While all hormone therapies have similarities, there are differences in indication, dosage strength, delivery methods, administration, and frequency of dosing. Some therapies include a combination of hormones, while others are estrogen only, and unlike Vivelle-Dot^®, not all therapies are approved for:

• Treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) associated with menopause
• Treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy (vaginal dryness) associated with menopause. When choosing a hormone therapy solely for the treatment of symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, topical vaginal products should be considered
• Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. When choosing a hormone therapy solely for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, therapy should only be considered for women at significant risk of osteoporosis and non-estrogen medications should be carefully considered
• Treatment of hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, bilateral oophorectomy, or primary ovarian failure

Myth #3: Hormone therapy is going to take care of all my symptoms.

Answer: Hormone therapy may not relieve all of the symptoms of menopause. It is generally used to reduce moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, and moderate to severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy associated with menopause. When choosing a hormone therapy solely for the treatment of symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, topical vaginal products should be considered.

Myth #4: All menopausal women need the same combination of hormones.

Answer: Some women are fine without any therapy during menopause. Menopausal women without a uterus who have bothersome symptoms should take estrogen-only therapies. Menopausal women who still have a uterus and are experiencing symptoms should take a therapy that provides estrogen plus progestin. Without this additional hormone in their hormone therapy, women with a uterus are at higher risk for endometrial cancer.

Myth #5: Estrogen therapy causes weight gain.

Answer: Estrogen therapy does not cause permanent weight gain. Some women experience temporary weight gain during menopause due to water retention. Increasing fluid intake and limiting salt consumption help reduce water retention. Slowing metabolism, common as people age, should be accounted for in reduced calorie intake and regular exercise. Vivelle-Dot is not indicated for the treatment of weight loss.

Myth #6: Once a woman starts hormone therapy for moderate to severe symptoms associated with menopause, she will always be on it.

Answer: It is recommended that women who use hormone therapy to manage moderate to severe symptoms associated with menopause 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.

Myth #7: A compounding pharmacy is the only source of bioidentical estrogen therapy.

Answer: The estrogen in Vivelle-Dot is bioidentical to the hormone produced naturally by a woman’s body. Vivelle-Dot contains 17-beta estradiol, which is identical to one of the key forms of estrogen that a woman’s body loses during menopause. For women interested in the source of estrogen in their therapy, the estrogen (estradiol) in Vivelle-Dot is chemically synthesized from a plant source. This does not imply differences in safety or efficacy.