HRT DOCTORS

Dispelling Myths About Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

The widespread use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) started in the 1960s, growing in popularity through the 1990s. But in 2002 results of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) – which have since been discredited – cast a negative light on hormone therapy.

Reanalysis of the WHI trial was conducted, and new research has proved that HRT in younger women or in early postmenopausal women benefits the cardiovascular system and reduces risk of death from all causes.

However, the damage in the press was done, and many women still cling to erroneous and out dated myths about HRT. In this article the Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) experts at Tutera Medical in Scottsdale, AZ dispel 5 of the most common myths about HRT.   

1. 
   

   Myth: HRT Makes You Gain Weight

TRUTH: HRT Can help women lose fat and build muscle.

Studies show that women who use HRT do not gain any more weight than women who do not use hormone therapy. In fact, it is the hormonal changes of menopause that cause fat to accumulate in the belly and muscle mass to decline.

Restoring hormones to balance can help peri- and menopausal women lose fat and build muscle.

2. Myth: HRT Causes Breast Cancer

TRUTH: Combined HRT (estrogen plus progestogen) causes no significant increase in breast cancer or heart disease risk in women aged 50 to 59, or in women who start treatment within 10 years of menopause.

Women’s health specialists almost universally agree that the importance of preventing osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer, Alzheimer’s and other life-threatening conditions far outweigh other concerns about hormone therapy. READ MORE HERE

3.  Myth: HRT Increases Risk of Heart Disease

TRUTH: when administered at the right time in a woman’s life, clinical studies show that HRT can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

An analysis of 40,410 women that showed HRT did not increase mortality from heart attacks or blood cardiovascular disease.

And, according to recent research benefits to women’s heart health may be better accomplished by earlier introduction of hormone replacement treatment. READ MORE HERE

4. Myth – OTC Therapies are Better & Safer than HRT

TRUTH: Health experts agree that HRT remains the most effective way to control menopausal symptoms.

Clinical research as well as patient evidence from doctors around the world confirm that non-hormonal treatments are not as effective as HRT.  Additionally, there is no way to know if complementary therapies (especially those bought online) are safe or right for you if they are not prescribed by a physician.

5. Myth – Only “Older Women” Need HRT

TRUTH: Certain health conditions can cause “early menopause” in younger women.

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (sometimes referred to as “premature menopause”) is a medical condition wherein a woman’s ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40.  Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the most effective and often prescribed therapy option for women suffering from Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. HRT can replenish a woman’s estrogen and other depleted hormones – in many cases restoring ovarian function and menstrual cycle so she can conceive.

 “Surgical menopause” can also occur when both ovaries are surgically removed. And, even if the ovaries are preserved surgical menopause typically occurs within five years after a hysterectomy – due to disruptions in the ovarian blood supply. Certain types of cancer treatments – including chemotherapy and radiation – can also cause women to have early menopause.

For women who experience “early menopause”, HRT is almost universally regarded as the best treatment for maintaining health and preventing disease, including osteoporosis.

HRT Doctors | Scottsdale, AZ

New information based on an abundance of research on Hormone Replacement means doctors now better understand the risks and benefits of HRT. For most peri- and menopausal women HRT is the best way to control menopausal symptoms and give them important health benefits, including prevention of disease.

HRT Doctors | Scottsdale, AZ: 480-874-1515