7 Common Myths About Hormone Replacement Therapy, Debunked

Are you waking at night drenched in sweat? Perhaps your hot flashes also come during the day. Maybe insomnia is an issue. All of these are common symptoms of menopause. You’re wondering whether hormone replacement therapy can help you, but you’re not sure about it. 

Our board-certified nurse practitioners with Her Down There specialize in women’s health. Our expert team prescribes several different forms of hormone replacement therapy, depending on your specific needs, your medical history, and your overall health. 

We’re here to separate fact from fiction regarding hormone replacement therapy. 

Myth 1: Hormone replacement therapy increases breast cancer risk

Fact: The risk for breast cancer remains low when taking hormone replacement therapy. If you take estrogen alone as hormone therapy, you have no elevated risk of breast cancer. 

Studies on bioidentical hormone replacement show no increased breast cancer risk for five years. Bioidentical hormones mimic the hormones in your body. 

Discuss complex nuances of research on HRT and breast cancer with your provider. Your age, how long you’re on hormone therapy, and the type of hormones you’re prescribed affect the overall risk. 

Myth 2: Hormone therapy heightens the risk of heart attack or stroke 

Long-term studies show that taking hormone replacement therapy up to age 60 lowers your risk of heart attack and stroke. Your health provider at Her Down There specializes in women’s health and can explain the findings of research on cardiovascular risk when taking hormone therapy. Your provider takes into account factors such as whether you smoke, your blood pressure, and cholesterol level, which all come into play when deciding whether hormone therapy is right for you. 

Researchers have found that hormone replacement therapy can slightly increase the risk of stroke when taken orally in pill form, but we avoid that by prescribing hormone patches, gel, or spray. 

Myth 3. Hormone therapy increases the risk of blood clots

The overall risk for blood clots when on hormone therapy is low for healthy women. Your risk for blood clots on hormone therapy is lower than your risk if pregnant. Your age, your weight, whether you smoke, and your general health are all factors that can lead to elevated risk for a blood clot. 

The risk for blood clots is elevated when hormones are taken orally, so medical practices today use transdermal therapy. We review your medical history to assess your individual risk factors before prescribing hormone therapy. 

Myth 4. Hormone therapy causes substantial weight gain

What you eat, how much you eat, how much you exercise, and your metabolism are the major factors that determine what you weigh. You might gain a small amount of weight from hormone therapy, but it should be minimal. 

Weight gain is a part of aging. Your metabolism slows gradually after age 60. If you eat the same amount as you did when you were younger, you may gain weight. 

You may be less active than you were years ago. You’re not walking to the office from the subway anymore or carrying around a 30-pound toddler. Such lifestyle changes are more likely to be behind weight gain.

Myth 5. Hormone therapy affects your cognitive function  

If you’re worried that hormones affect your brain in a negative way, you can put that worry to rest. Estrogen actually helps protect the brain. When your estrogen levels drop precipitously in menopause, you may get “brain fog” and experience memory lapses, insomnia, and confused thinking. 

Research on hormone therapy during menopause shows that it may actually help support cognitive function. Your provider works with you to ensure positive outcomes of your hormone therapy. 

Myth 6. Hormone therapy should only be used for severe menopause symptoms 

Hormone therapy can help many women with a wide variety of menopause symptoms, whether they’re moderate or severe. It can help end vaginal dryness so that you maintain your sexual function and intimate relationship without a period of separation. 

Insomnia and night sweats are common menopause symptoms. A sudden change in your hormones during menopause can cause uneven sleep patterns and hot flashes that leave your clothes wet. Hormone therapy eases these symptoms because female hormones help regulate sleep.

Myth 7. Hormone therapy only helps menopausal symptoms

While hormone therapy is known for treating menopausal problems, it can also be beneficial in other ways. Hormones are necessary for bone health. If you experience early menopause, hormone therapy can help stop bone loss and help prevent osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis, hormone therapy can help lessen your risk of a fracture. 

Call Her Down There or book an appointment online to learn more about whether hormone therapy is right for you. We have an office in Houston, Texas. Our Arlington, Texas, office offers telemedicine.