Facts and Myths About Treating Menopausal Symptoms with Hormone Replacement Therapy

If you’re struggling with the symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, you may have considered hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a solution. Before deciding if HRT is right for you, read on to dispel some myths and learn the facts about HRT.

You know that menopause and the years leading up to it – perimenopause – can cause predictable symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. This life transition is about more than just a few uncomfortable symptoms. It's a transition in a woman's fertility and hormone levels that have long-term impacts on health and well-being.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can offer relief, but trying to educate yourself on the treatment and sorting through the many myths surrounding it can leave you feeling uncertain about the best medical decision for your needs.

At Trinity Salem Family Health Clinic, Yaminah Matthews, APRN, FNP-C, and an experienced team are dedicated to providing you with all the facts about menopause and HRT.

About perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause, the phase leading up to menopause, lasts – on average – about four years. This is the time when most women experience symptoms of “menopause.”

While hot flashes are a common complaint, they're only part of a suite of symptoms. Expect to experience any of the following:

Night sweats
Insomnia
Irregular periods
Fatigue
Mood swings and irritability
Depression
Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse

A woman is officially in menopause when she has gone without periods for 12 consecutive months. The average age of menopause is 51, but a woman may experience menopause sooner due to ovarian removal, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or primary ovarian insufficiency.

The myths about hormone therapy as treatment

Myth: Hormone replacement therapy is unsafe.

Fact: HRT is safe for women under age 60 and within ten years of menopause. The use of HRT can reduce cardiovascular disease risk and mortality rates.

Myth: Hormone replacement therapy is the same for all women.

Fact: We personalize your HRT therapy in terms of dosing and duration. You use hormones only as long as they help you feel better. We determine what type of delivery is best, whether that is through an oral supplement, injections, a patch, a vaginal cream, or pellets inserted under the skin.

Myth: Hormone replacement therapy is just about relieving symptoms.

Fact: Hormone therapy can help relieve hot flashes and night sweats and improve your overall health. HRT can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, tooth loss, diabetes, and colon cancer.

Hormone therapy helps you feel in control during your menopause transition

HRT is only part of a comprehensive plan to help you manage your fertility transition. We encourage you to take proactive steps to improve your health and well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and stress management play pivotal roles.

HRT can add to these steps to help you take care of your health and manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

If you want to learn more about how hormone replacement therapy can help you, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to provide the information and support you need to navigate this transitional phase confidently and comfortably.

Call Trinity Salem Health Clinic today or use the online tool to set up a consultation to take advantage of the multiple women's health services offered.