Here are some of the myths about the menopause and HRT. Many of the perceived contraindications to HRT are based on the flawed Women’s Health Initiative study published in 2002 which has since been reevaluated. With transdermal oestrogen at a suitable dose and body identical progesterone or a Mirena intrauterine system, many women can now have HRT when it was previously thought not to be safe for them.
MYTHS:
Taking HRT only delays menopausal symptoms, you’ll have to go through them at some point.
Blood tests are always needed to diagnose the menopause.
Antidepressants are the best treatment for women developing anxiety and depression in the perimenopause and menopause.
The menopause is just hot flushes and night sweats.
It’s better to get through the menopause ‘naturally’.
You can’t have HRT if you are still getting periods.
You can’t have HRT if you have migraines.
You can’t have HRT if you are overweight.
You can’t have HRT if you have high blood pressure.
You can’t start HRT over the age of 60.
You can’t continue HRT once you are 60.
You can only have HRT for a maximum of 5 years.
You can’t have HRT if anyone in your family has had breast cancer.
You can’t have HRT if you or someone in your close family have had a blood clot in the past (deep vein thrombosis).
You can’t use both systemic HRT and local oestrogen.
HRT also works as your contraception.
The information leaflets inside HRT products are accurate and up to date.
Testosterone is only for men.
