Facts and Myths About Treating Menopausal Symptoms With Hormone Replacement Therapy

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, but the symptoms that come with it—like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness—feel anything but natural. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)  or Bio-Identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) are popular treatment options that many women rely on, but there is still a lot of misinformation about these, too. 

At Luxe Women’s Health in Queen Creek, Arizona, Jennifer Wright-Bennion, CNM, APRN, separates fact from fiction to help you make a well informed decision about the best BHRT treatment options. Jennifer prefers to use Bio-Identical Hormones since it has a more customized dosing increment that is calculated specifically for you based on your symptoms, current laboratory data, and key health metrics.

Fact: HRT can relieve menopause symptoms

BHRT works by optimizing or replacing the hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) your body stops producing efficiently and reliably after menopause. BHRT is well-known for its ability to effectively relieve the many symptoms of menopause, including:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Moodiness or irritability
• Forgetfulness or “Brain Fog”
• Sleep disturbances
• Low energy
• Vaginal dryness
• Painful intercourse
• Decreasing libido

Jennifer often recommends starting BHRT in perimenopause or early after transitioning to menopause in order to improve your quality of life during this time so you get the maximum protective health benefits that BHRT offers women.

Myth: HRT increases the risk of cancer

A prevailing myth about HRT/BHRT is that it increases your risk of cancer, especially breast cancer. Long-term use of estrogen and progesterone therapy is linked to an increased risk, but overall, it’s very low, and the benefits outweigh the risks. Jennifer weighs the pros and cons with you, measures your hormone levels, evaluates your health history, key health metrics and recommends HRT/BHRT based on your unique needs.

Fact: HRT helps prevent osteoporosis

After menopause, estrogen levels dramatically decrease and can lead to a loss of bone density, which makes you vulnerable to osteoporosis and fractures. Estrogen is a key component in most HRT/BHRT regimens and helps keep your bones strong and healthy to support your active life.

Myth: Once you start HRT, you have to keep taking it

Just because you need HRT/BHRT now does not mean it will be required forever.  The duration of treatment varies depending on your specific needs and goals. You may only need to take it for a few months if your symptoms are mild or a few years if they’re severe. Jennifer recommends reassessing your need for HRT/BHRT at regular intervals and anytime your symptoms change or worsen.

Let’s get started

While menopause is a natural part of aging, you don't have to suffer through it. Jennifer offers a variety of HRT/BHRT options, including traditional, bioidentical, and pellet therapies, to help you manage your menopause symptoms. She helps you understand the facts and disregard the myths so you can make a well informed choice about the best approach for you.

Contact Luxe Women's Health today to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment or call for more information.