Debunking 7 Myths About Hormone Replacement Therapy

You may be hearing more in the media about hormone replacement therapy than you ever have before. This is in part because hormone replacement therapy is being used to treat more ailments than it once was; and partially because this treatment is more accessible than it once was, as well. But with accessibility comes a lot of new myths, poised to keep you from pursuing hormone replacement therapy, even if it is the right option for you. With that being said, we're exploring the ins and outs of hormone replacement therapy, and some important myths that need debunking.

1. It's Useless After Menopause

Many people interested in HRT are women, who are then turned off when they hear the myth that it does nothing for them after menopause. Women who are experiencing post-menopausal symptoms can still benefit from HRT, as it can lessen symptoms significantly.

2. HRT Causes Cancer

This is one of the most harmful myths out there about HRT. While there is an increased risk for certain cancers when you have an influx of hormones into your body, if you are treated correctly this risk is minimized, and HRT itself does not cause cancer.

3. HRT Comes in One Form

Whether you're thinking pills or injections, you may think that there is one way to take HRT, and it's not convenient for you. In fact, HRT can be taken orally, topically, or through other forms as well.

4. HRT Is Only For Women

HRT is not just for women (nor is it only for cisgender people, by any means). Men, who produce twenty times more testosterone than women, can benefit from HRT as well, though they may have different treatments from women.

5. You Should Experience Menopause Symptoms

There are no major benefits to experiencing menopause symptoms. These symptoms are not a rite of passage you must go through; HRT can help you largely avoid them.

6. It's Not For Early Menopause

Many women experience menopause early, and they can benefit from HRT. It's even been shown to lessen heart disease in women who begin it early.

7. HRT Causes Heart Disease

Just as with cancer, HRT does not cause heart disease. The only correlation between HRT and heart disease is that HRT can actually lessen the chances of women getting heart disease.

Could HRT be right for you? There's only one way to find out: talk to your doctor!