Available TreatmentsAvailable Treatments
If you’ve been thinking about hormone replacement therapy, you may have come across some myths throughout your research on the topic. Hormone replacement therapy offers a variety of benefits to both men and women who are experiencing symptoms caused by depleted hormones.
There are several myths out there about hormone replacement therapy. Here are some of the most common myths we’ve heard:
HRT increases heart attack risk.
If taken before the age of 60, HRT does not increase your risk of a heart attack. In some cases, the pill form of HRT can cause a small risk of stroke or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be avoided by using HRT in the form of a gel or patch. If you are over the age of 60, we will perform a thorough risk assessment to see if HRT is right for you.
HRT can cause breast cancer.
Although there was research in 2002 that created this worry, this study was thoroughly reviewed. The current view on this is that HRT does not cause breast cancer. HRT may cause the growth of cancer cells that are already present. Currently, there is no link between breast cancer and the estrogen-only HRT pill. However, there is a small risk associated with the combined HRT pill, but this risk is based on how long the pill is taken and will be reduced once the HRT is stopped.
HRT has the same risks as birth control.
While they are similar hormones, the HRT doses are much lower and less potent than birth control. This means it does not present the same risks.
HRT can lead to blood clots.
The risk of blood clots is related to HRT in pill form. If you are low risk and healthy, this risk is very small.
HRT can only be taken for up to five years.
When you are on the lowest effective dose of HRT, you are able to safely take HRT for as long as needed.
HRT will delay menopause.
HRT offers short-term and long-term benefits. HRT is a great way to help make menopause symptoms less severe and easier to manage. Additionally, before you stop HRT, you will gradually reduce your dosage, so you can adjust your body slowly.
HRT causes weight gain.
Menopause occurs in women during a time when their metabolism begins to slow down naturally. These hormonal changes also cause the weight to settle around a woman’s midsection. If you are taking HRT during this time, weight gain is coincidental and is not caused by HRT.
At Hormone Treatment Centers, we offer HRT for both men and women! Contact us today to learn more!