Hormone Replacement Therapy: Common Myths and Misconceptions

There are several myths and misconceptions surrounding HRT, including the belief that it causes cancer. Research has shown that HRT does not increase the risk of cancer.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment that can help people who have problems with their hormones. 

It can make them feel better, especially for women who are going through menopause or for men with low testosterone levels. But some people think it's not safe or won't work. This is not always true. 

In this article, we will talk about some of the things people believe about the best hormone replacement therapy that is not true and give you the right information to help you make a good decision about HRT.

The Most Common Myths and Clear Up Some of the Confusion About HRT

Myth #1: HRT Is Only for Women

Fact: HRT can be used by both men and women who have low levels of certain hormones. For women, this usually happens during menopause, when their ovaries stop making estrogen and progesterone. 

For men, this can happen due to aging or other conditions that affect their testosterone production. 

HRT can help both men and women with symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, and depression.

Myth #2: HRT Is a One-Size-Fits-All Treatment

Fact: HRT is not the same for everyone. Different types of hormones, doses, routes of administration, and durations of treatment can be tailored to your individual needs and preferences.

For example, some people may prefer pills, patches, gels, injections, or implants to deliver their hormones. Some people may need only one hormone, while others may need a combination of two or more.

Some people may need HRT for a short time, while others may need it for longer. Your doctor can help you find the best option for you based on your medical history, symptoms, goals, and risks.

Myth #3: HRT Causes Cancer

Fact: HRT does not cause cancer by itself, but it may increase or decrease your risk of certain types of cancer depending on the type of hormone you take and how long you take it.

Example: 1 

Estrogen-only HRT may increase your risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) if you have not had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove your uterus).

To lower this risk, your doctor may prescribe progesterone along with estrogen to protect your uterus. On the other hand, estrogen-only HRT may lower your risk of colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum).

Example: 2

Another example is breast cancer. Some studies have shown that taking estrogen plus progesterone HRT may increase your risk of breast cancer if you take it for more than five years.

This risk may vary depending on your age, family history, and other factors. Some studies have also shown that taking estrogen-only HRT may not increase your risk of breast cancer or may even lower it if you start it soon after menopause.

Myth #4: HRT Makes You Gain Weight

Fact: HRT does not make you gain weight by itself, but it may affect your metabolism (how your body uses energy) and appetite (how hungry you feel).

Some people may notice changes in their weight when they start or stop HRT due to these factors. These changes are usually small and temporary and can be managed by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Myth #5: HRT Is Bad for Your Heart

Fact: HRT may have different effects on your heart depending on when you start it and how long you take it.

Taking estrogen-only or estrogen plus progesterone HRT soon after menopause may lower your risk of heart disease (problems with your heart or blood vessels) by improving your cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Taking estrogen plus progesterone HRT more than 10 years after menopause or for more than five years may increase your risk of heart disease by causing blood clots or strokes.