Myths About Hormone Therapy (HT)

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.

Myths About Safety of HT

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.

Myths About Types of HT

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.

Myths About Symptoms of HT

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.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT COMBIPATCH (A COMBINATION OF ESTROGEN AND PROGESTIN HORMONES)?

Do not use estrogens and progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, strokes or dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills). Using estrogens with progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots, and may increase your risk of dementia.

Do not use CombiPatch if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy). CombiPatch should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.

The most common side effects that may occur with CombiPatch are breast pain, vaginal bleeding, and headache.

1CombiPatch is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; and treat certain conditions in which a young woman’s ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. If you use CombiPatch 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.

You and your health care professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with CombiPatch and whether you are taking the lowest dose that works for you.