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There are lots of myths floating around. So here’s some useful information on
hormone therapy to help you navigate through some of the more common myths.
Myth#1: HT is unsafe.
Answer: As with all medications, there are risks and benefits to HT, which can
be different for each woman. Estrogen may promote the growth of some breast
cancers and may be a problem for women with gallbladder or liver problems,
blood clots or vaginal bleeding. However, for appropriate patients the risks may be
outweighed by relief from moderate to severe menopausal symptoms.1 Talk to your doctor about your risks associated with
hormone therapy.
Myth #2: All HTs are alike.
Answer: There are several different types of hormone therapies including
patches, pills and emulsions. While all hormone therapies have similarities,
there are differences in dosage strength, delivery (patch, pill or emulsion),
indication (used for vaginal dryness or osteoporosis), regimen (combination
therapy, estrogen-only therapy) and frequency (every day, twice a week, etc.).
Some therapies include a combination of hormones, while others are estrogen
only.
Myth #3: HT can only be taken in the form of a pill.
Answer: Actually, HT for treatment of moderate to severe hot flashes comes in various
forms. The most common non-pill product is the patch, but an emulsion and
vaginal rings are also available.
Myth #4: All women need the same type of HT.
Answer: Some women are fine without any therapy. Women without a uterus that have moderate to severe menopausal symptoms1 can be treated with estrogen only. Women who still have a uterus would likely be treated with estrogen plus progestin. Adding progestin helps prevent cancer of the uterus.
Myth #5: HT is going to take care of all my symptoms.
Answer: HT may not relieve all of your moderate to severe hot flashes. It is
generally used to reduce hot flashes and vaginal dryness. HT works best when used in conjunction with eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and visiting the doctor regularly. If you use HT only to treat your dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina, talk with your health care professional about whether a topical vaginal product would be better for you.
Myth #6: Hormone Therapy (HT) causes weight gain.
Answer: HT has not been shown to cause permanent weight gain. Some women experience
temporary weight gain due to water retention. Increasing fluid intake, limiting salt
consumption and regular exercise help reduce water retention. A slowing metabolism,
common as people age, should be accounted for in reduced calorie intake and regular
exercise. CombiPatch is not indicated for the treatment of weight loss.
Myth #7: I should avoid sex after menopause because vaginal dryness will make
it uncomfortable.
Answer: Your estrogen levels may be decreasing, but that doesn’t have to affect
your love life. Surprisingly, frequent sexual activity can be an effective remedy for
vaginal dryness. Studies show that women who are sexually active during menopause
are less likely to develop symptoms of vaginal dryness because sexual activity increases
blood flow to the vagina, keeping the tissue healthy. You can also try over-the-counter
lubricants or hormone therapy to help vaginal dryness. If you use CombiPatch only to treat
dryness, itching and burning in and around your vagina, talk with your health care professional
about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you.
Myth #8: Once you start hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms,
you will always be on it.
Answer: It is recommended that women who use hormone therapy to manage their moderate to severe
menopausal symptoms use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
Different solutions are right for different women, depending on each woman’s
health history, current symptoms and personal preferences. You and your doctor
should regularly discuss if you still need treatment with hormone therapy.
Together you can make the right choice for you.
Myth #9: Menopause is "a natural phase of life" so I won’t need
to take hormone therapy.
Answer: While menopause is a normal occurrence for every woman, changes in
hormones may cause a variety of symptoms that can be uncomfortable. Hormone
therapy is an option to treat your moderate to severe menopausal symptoms such
as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
Myth #10: HT provides protection against heart disease.
Answer: Hormone therapy does not provide protection against heart disease.
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