Myth 1: Hormone replacement causes breast cancer.

The 2002 Women’s Health Initiative is to blame for this misinformation. It showed the following results in three arms representing 10,000 women in each:

• 30 cases of invasive breast cancer in the group that did not use HRT

• 38 cases of invasive breast cancer in the premarin-provera group (unnatural estrogen / progesterone)

• Less than 30 cases of invasive breast cancer for premarin alone (unnatural estrogen)

The third arm of this study was not reported in the initial results, but indicated that the estrogen-only group had a lower incidence of breast cancer than the other two groups, including the hormone-free women! This lower incidence of breast cancer in the estrogen group persisted in follow-up studies 8 years later.

Bottom Line: Estrogen does not “cause” breast cancer, but it can accelerate its growth if the cancer contains estrogen receptors.

Myth 2: Hormone replacement therapy is all about stopping hot flashes.

Estrogen therapy can do much more than just eliminate hot flashes. Sometimes a higher dose may be required to decrease anxiety, help with sleep, increase sex drive, help with memory, protect bones, heart, and blood vessels.

Myth 3: Hormones should be given at the lowest dose for the shortest period of time.

Estrogen must be taken indefinitely for some conditions, such as bone protection, brain and cardiovascular protection, and vulvovaginal atrophy; a condition of vaginal dryness and cell deterioration, resulting in pain and sexual dysfunction.

Myth 4: bioidentical hormones are only present in compound formulas

Is not true! Bioidentical means that the molecular structure is identical to that produced by a human being. Bioidentical hormones can be compounded, but are also present in a variety of prescriptions. Premarin is an equine hormone totally different in structure from human estrogen and should never be used. It is difficult for the body to eliminate and does not fit into important brain receptors.

Myth 5: Superior hormone delivery is found in creams, lozenges, or compounded pills.

Once again, a big mistake. Hormones love fat! If you put them in a cream, they will be happy to stay there, instead of sinking into the body into circulation. NEVER apply estrogen or progesterone creams to your arms !! The hormones, if they enter, will go directly to the breast tissue. We want hormones in circulation, not breast tissue, so they will go to the brain, bones, and heart. Progesterone is too large a molecule to be administered in a cream other than vaginally. Topical progesterone cream has been shown in repeated studies to be insufficient protection for women taking estrogen therapy for menopause.

Any hormone that is ingested or left under the tongue for a period of time will be swallowed, let’s face it. When a hormone, such as estrogen, is ingested, it passes into the lymphatic vessels, directly to the liver for detoxification and distribution to the rest of the body. The bolus of hormones delivered to the liver stimulates other activities of the liver, such as the production of clotting factors. This puts the patient at higher risk for blood clots and strokes.

Hormone therapy can change lives and keep us healthier for longer! Don’t fall for the myths, stay informed.