Facts and Myths About Treating Menopausal Symptoms with Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bioidentical hormone therapy restores lost hormones, and is the most effective treatment for relieving related symptoms, such as mood swings, memory problems, hot flashes, and night sweats.

However, there are a number of misconceptions about Bioidentical hormone therapy that can cause confusion. The team of skilled providers here at The Well for Health want you to have accurate information about Bioidentical hormone therapy for treating menopause symptoms so that you can make an informed decision.

In this post, we dispel common myths regarding hormone replacement therapy to help women considering Bioidentical hormone therapy separate fact from fiction.

Perimenopause and menopause

Before you reach menopause, there’s a transition period referred to as perimenopause, and it can last for four to eight years. This is when many women start to experience symptoms related to changing hormones.

Getting hot and sweaty is a common problem, but there are other issues too. Trouble sleeping, periods becoming irregular, feeling tired, being moody or easily annoyed, and feeling sad can also be hard to deal with. Many women also have dryness and pain during sex.

You officially reach menopause when you’ve gone 12 months without a period. Most women reach this point on average around age 51.

Menopause can also happen because of other things besides age, like having surgery to remove your ovaries, getting radiation or chemotherapy, or having a condition called primary ovarian insufficiency (POI).

Myths about hormone replacement therapy

The following are some truths behind the myths surrounding the Bioidentical hormone therapy. 

Myth: Hormone replacement therapy is harmful

Fact: Bioidentical hormone therapy for treating menopause symptoms involves taking estrogen alone, or in combination with progesterone. It is safe for healthy women under age 60 and/or who are within 10 years of their official transition to menopause. Bioidentical hormone therapy lowers the risk of heart disease, as well as the risk of death from all causes.

Myth: Bioidentical hormone therapy is one-size-fits-all

Fact: Bioidentical hormone therapy is an individualized treatment and is available in many forms, and this is a good thing. It means that you can work with our team to find the right form of Bioidentical hormone therapy to suit your needs. It’s available in transdermal forms that are absorbed through the skin, including patches, gels, creams, and sprays. Oral pills, and vaginal suppositories, and rings, are also available.  

The right form for you will depend on a number of factors, including your medical history, lifestyle, and preferences.

Myth: The Bioidentical hormone therapy only helps hot flashes and night sweats

Fact: While the Bioidentical hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats, these aren’t the only benefits. For instance, the Bioidentical hormone therapy cuts the risk of osteoporosis and broken bones, reduces tooth loss, and helps protect against diabetes and colon cancer.

Myth: Lifestyle changes won’t help

Fact: When it comes to menopause symptoms, lifestyle habits matter. Getting adequate sleep can improve mood swings and brain fog, while hot flashes can be cooled down by avoiding triggers like spicy food and red wine.

Myth: You should wait until symptoms are severe before opting for the Bioidentical hormone therapy

Fact: Even if you’re still getting periods, you can begin taking Bioidentical hormone therapy as soon as you start feeling bothersome symptoms related to hormonal imbalance. There’s no need to suffer needlessly. Bioidentical hormone therapy can support your body through the transition.

To learn more about treating menopausal symptoms with hormone replacement therapy, and to schedule a visit with a provider at The Well for Health, call our Mooresville, North Carolina, office today!