Myths and Facts About Hormone Replacement Therapy for Postmenopausal Women

Menopause is a normal part of every woman’s life. It’s the time that marks the end of their ability to get pregnant. It’s not a disease or a disorder, but the symptoms that come with menopause affect your physical and emotional well-being. 

At The Riegel Center in Plano, Texas, we understand how the “change of life” feels like a shift in your entire world. A lot of what you’re feeling has to do with hormones. Our hormone specialist, Christopher J. Riegel, MD, specializes in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for postmenopausal women. 

He understands that many women feel apprehensive about postmenopausal HRT because of the myths surrounding the treatment. Here, we share the facts about hormone replacement therapy so you can make a more informed decision about this beneficial therapy. 

Myth: HRT increases risk of heart disease

Estrogen is a female sex hormone that regulates your menstrual cycle. This hormone also protects heart health by keeping blood cholesterol levels in check and blood vessels strong and pliable. Heart disease in women increases as they get older because of the loss of estrogen following menopause. 

Early studies of HRT use in women showed a correlation between hormone therapy and an increased risk of heart attacks. However, most of the women in those early studies were 60 and older and received a combination of synthetic estrogen and progestin HRT. 

More recent studies failed to show the same correlation and further found estrogen-only HRT is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. 

Though postmenopausal HRT may offer some benefits, lifestyle factors play a more significant role in promoting heart health. When it comes to promoting heart health and preventing heart disease, regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight go a long way.

Myth: HRT causes breast cancer

Those same early studies also connected HRT with an increased risk of breast cancer. Female hormones do play a role in the development of breast cancer. However, it’s not the hormones in HRT that put women at risk of developing breast cancer. 

In fact, women taking estrogen-only HRT following a hysterectomy may reduce their risk of developing breast cancer, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

HRT is an individualized treatment for postmenopausal women, and it isn’t right for everyone. If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, HRT isn’t recommended. 

Myth: HRT’s only benefit is addressing symptoms

Many women start HRT during perimenopause, which is the transitional period before you officially reach menopause — when you’ve had 12 consecutive months without a period. Hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness are worse during perimenopause and seem to improve once you’re in the postmenopausal stage.

HRT can manage any lingering symptoms you have once you’re postmenopausal, but the therapy does more than just ease your symptoms. Hormone therapy also benefits bone health and may lower your risk of osteoporosis by helping maintain bone growth.

Hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. We understand how hormonal imbalances affect your physical and emotional well-being, and we create hormone replacement plans that optimize levels, benefitting all of your health needs.

Don’t let your postmenopausal symptoms keep you from enjoying this new stage of life. We can design a plan that fits your needs. Call our office or request an appointment online today.