Many myths surround menopause. Here are the facts.
Myth: Menopause only means hot flashes.
Fact: Menopause can cause many symptoms besides hot flashes, such as sleep problems, brain fog, mood changes, joint pain, and genital and urinary symptoms. Lower hormone levels after menopause can also affect your long-term health, including your bones and heart.
Myth: Hormone therapy is unsafe for everyone.
Fact: Benefits are clearest for women under age 60 or within 10 years of menopause. Your age, health history, and type of hormone therapy affect potential risks.
Myth: You should take hormone therapy for the shortest time possible.
Fact: There is no single time limit. You and your provider should review your treatment plan regularly.
Myth: "Bioidentical" compounded hormones are safer.
Fact: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved hormone therapies that contain hormones identical to the ones your body makes, such as estradiol and progesterone. The FDA does not have evidence that compounded "bioidentical" hormones are safer or work better than FDA-approved hormone therapy.
Myth: A blood test shows if you are in perimenopause.
Fact: Providers usually diagnose perimenopause from your age, symptoms, and periods. Blood tests are not usually needed.
Myth: Stress or lifestyle choices cause menopause symptoms.
Fact: Falling hormone levels cause menopause symptoms. Treatments are available.
Myth: You cannot get pregnant in perimenopause.
Fact: You can get pregnant until you have gone 12 months in a row without a period.
Myth: Hormone therapy prevents heart disease and dementia.
Fact: Hormone therapy does not prevent heart disease. Experts do not yet know if it prevents dementia.
Myth: Vaginal lasers and other energy-based devices fix vaginal dryness.
Fact: Lasers and other energy-based devices have not been shown to work better than placebo treatment, and the FDA has not authorized them for treatment of GSM. Applying energy-based therapies to the vagina may lead to serious injuries, including vaginal burns, scarring, pain during sex, and recurring/chronic pain. Vaginal estrogen and other treatments can help manage vaginal dryness.