As a medical professional prescribing hormone therapy, you may need to combat the many misconceptions about hormone therapy and menopause. You may find it helpful to share the following information with your patients.
Below are just a few myths that you may be asked to clarify for your patients.
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 with your patient 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 of 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 dosage strength, delivery methods, administration, and frequency of dosing. Some therapies include a combination of hormones, while others are estrogen only.
Myth #3: Hormone therapy is going to take care of all my patients' 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 prescribing 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. Symptomatic menopausal women without a uterus should be prescribed estrogen only. Those symptomatic menopausal women who still have a uterus should be prescribed 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 patients start hormone therapy for moderate to severe symptoms associated with menopause, they 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.
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