Post-Menopause HRT | Myths and Facts

Our natural hormones affect many things including: energy, libido, sleep and feelings of depression. During menopause, hormonal imbalances are commonplace, resulting in:

• Cardiovascular health issues

• Menopausal symptoms , such as hot flashes

• Decreased sexual function

• Chronic headaches

• Depression

• and more

When those hormones are in decreased supply and low production, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is an excellent treatment option. Human Identical hormone replacement is a treatment option that supplemts your natural hormones that are imbalanced or insufficient. For example, Human Identical HRT may be given when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone or when the pituitary gland does not make enough growth hormone.

Chances are, you’ve heard a lot of information on the topic of HRT, including some common myths about the risks of this treatment option. Let’s replace those myths with the facts.

Myth #1: Hormone replacement causes cancer.

Fact: The idea that HRT causes cancer is perhaps the most common myth. This misconception is based on an older, flawed study. Although it’s true that having more hormones than your body requires is associated with the risk of certain types of cancers, HRT itself doesn’t cause cancer. Therapy with human identical hormone replacement does not cause cancer in healthy adults. Synthetic hormones are another matter.

Myth #2: Hormone replacement is only beneficial for severe symptoms.

Fact: Many women believe that HRT only addresses severe symptoms. The truth is, you don’t have to wait for symptoms to become severe to start treatment. Therapy is beneficial to prevent disease and suffering especially for less severe symptoms that still may disrupt your daily life. HRT is effective for relieving hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and other symptoms related to hormone imbalance.

Myth #3: HRT isn’t for post-menopausal symptoms.

Fact: Even after the major changes of menopause take place, hormone imbalances do occur. Women experiencing post-menopausal symptoms do benefit from human identical HRT. During the years after menopause, symptoms such as hot flashes tend to ease, However, due to lower estrogen levels, postmenopausal women can continue to experience uncomfortable and disrupting symptoms, and have increased risk of dementia, osteoperosis and heart disease.

Myth #4: HRT isn’t for women who enter menopause early.

Fact: Women typically enter menopause around the age of 50. However, some women experience early menopause, and for these women, HRT helps reduce the risk of heart disease, dementia, cancers and protect against osteoporosis.

Myth #5: There’s only one type of HRT.

Fact: You may be surprised to know that there are several types of HRT. Women can choose from oral to topical formulations. Types of HRT should be used alone or in combination to best treat your symptoms and balance your hormones.

Myth #6: Menopausal symptoms are a rite of passage you must experience.

Fact: You don’t have to suffer through the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. Although symptoms like hot flashes, weight gain and night sweats were once thought of as a rite of passage, these symptoms can have a significant impact on your daily life. Human identical HRT is proven to be the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. You can go through menopause without major discomfort thanks to therapy with hormone replacement.

The decision to start HRT is one you make after learning all of the facts and discussing the benefits and risks. To learn more information, request an appointment or schedule a consult through our office today!