Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe for You? Myths and Facts

Hot flashes. Night sweats. Vaginal dryness. You’ve heard the stories and, chances are, you’ve experienced these yourself if you are in menopause or perimenopause. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is frequently used to ease these symptoms. 

But some of our patients have concerns. Is hormone replacement therapy safe? And is it right for me?

The answer depends upon you and your situation. That’s why we don’t prescribe HRT unless it is the best option for you. This will involve reviewing your medical history and examining the intensity of your symptoms.

In the meantime, we’ll look at some myths and facts surrounding HRT. Have you believed any of these misconceptions?

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe?

The simple answer is that the benefits generally outweigh the risks of hormone replacement therapy, and hundreds of our patients take HRT with no problems. However, there are cases where HRT is not appropriate, and we’ll delve into that as we explore the myths and facts surrounding this therapy.

MYTH: All hormone replacement therapy causes cancer.

FACT: HRT doesn’t always cause cancer, but it can slightly increase your risk of developing it, particularly breast cancer. 

Does HRT cause cancer? Many of our patients are alarmed and concerned that they may develop cancer as a result of hormone replacement therapy.

This is why we’ll evaluate your cancer risk before considering this course of treatment. While there are a lot of benefits to HRT, we have to look at your case to see if the benefits outweigh the risks. 

There are some people who should not take hormone replacement therapy, and we’ll explore that point later in this article. 

MYTH: There is only one type of hormone replacement therapy.

FACT: There are several different kinds, and we will help determine which is right for you. HRT may include:

  • Estrogen therapy – this therapy can be delivered in many different forms, including:
    • Pills
    • Patches
    • Gels
    • Vaginal ring
  • Progesterone therapy
  • Combination therapy of both estrogen and progesterone

Myth: Everyone in menopause should have HRT

FACT: HRT isn’t the right choice for everyone (and our OBGYNs and healthcare team members will help determine if it’s the right choice for you.

Who should not take hormone replacement therapy? It’s not the right treatment for everyone.

If you meet any of the criteria below, the HRT may not be appropriate.

  • A personal or family history of cancer, particularly breast cancer
  • History of blood clots either in your legs or lungs
  • A previous heart attack
  • Liver disease
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure

What Are Some Signs You Need HRT?

We’ve mentioned some of the symptoms of low estrogen above, but there are other signs you need HRT. These include:

  • You have severe hot flashes
  • You have problems with bladder control
  • You’re noticing changes in your mood—you may be more depressed or anxious to the point it makes it difficult to function in everyday life.
  • You have painful intercourse; this is typically due to vaginal dryness, another bothersome symptom of menopause

If you have any of the above, we want to know about it. We’ll look at your case, evaluate the signs you need HRT and determine the benefits and risks of HRT.

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe for You? We’ll Give You the Information You Need to Make an Informed Decision

We understand you may be concerned about the safety of HRT—and we want you to know that we’re listening. We’ll always take your questions seriously, and provide the answers you need. We know that one approach isn’t right for everyone, and we believe in being partners in your care. A big part of that partnership is patient education.

Are night sweats and hot flashes interfering with everyday life? Are you concerned about developing osteoporosis? Schedule an appointment with us and we’ll be happy to evaluate whether you’re a suitable candidate for hormone replacement therapy.

 

The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.