Debunked! The 6 Most Popular Menopause Myths

Despite what your sister, friend, manicurist or even a doctor might have told you, we have known for over 20 years that women who take post menopause conjugated estrogens have a 21 percent reduction in breast cancer. If a woman is using estrogen and develops breast cancer, she is 40 percent less likely to die. In other words, estrogen is protective. But all estrogens are not the same. The specific form of estrogen with the dramatic decrease in breast cancer was conjugated estrogens, used by participants in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). Similar data for bio-identical estrogens does not exist. Furthermore, in a recent study, women with a new diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ were given conjugated estrogens for three to five weeks, and tumor activity decreased.

Hot flashes are harmless.

It’s not unusual for women to be told that hot flashes are temporary and it is best to just “tough them out. ” But advice such as "dress in layers'” and “carry a fan” is inappropriate, given the irrefutable evidence that persistent moderate to severe hot flashes are associated with serious medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and weight gain. Persistent insomnia in mid-life women, often as a direct result of night sweats, is associated with a 70 percent increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Hot flashes don’t just impact quality of life; hot flashes impact length of life. It is one of the many reasons that women who take estrogen post menopause have a 30 percent decreased risk of dying compared to women who do not take hormone therapy. Fortunately, there is an abundance of safe, effective hormonal and non-hormonal options to put out the fire.  

You have to stop hormone therapy after five years.

Women commonly are told by their doctors that “You should only take hormone therapy for a short time.” This arbitrary recommendation, although often found on otherwise credible websites, is not supported by science or data.

The fact is, most women can safely take hormones until death. In a study of 10,000 women who extended hormone therapy into their 60s, 70s or 80s, there was a 22 percent decrease in mortality, and a significant reduction in breast cancer, colon cancer, uterine cancer and lung cancer. The Menopause Society research states that “Hormone Therapy does not need to be discontinued in women aged 60 or 65 years."

Just to be clear, continuing hormone therapy after 60 is not the same as starting hormone therapy after 60.

Most bone is lost post menopause.

In the United States, there are 10 million women with osteoporosis. Most of these women have no idea they are at risk for a potentially life-changing or even fatal fracture until they undergo a screening bone density (DEXA scan) at the recommended age of 65. But here’s the thing: by that time, it’s often too late. The most rapid bone loss begins two years before menopause and continues for two to three years afterward before slowing down. Up to 20 percent of bone loss occurs during perimenopause and early postmenopause. But, if you are at high risk for osteoporosis due to a family history of osteoporosis, a history of fracture, alcohol use or smoking, your insurance may cover an earlier DEXA scan. Ditto certain medications or medical conditions, such as thyroid disease or diabetes. So, talk to your doctor and find a reason to get screened earlier!

Water-based vaginal lubricants are best.

Not all lubricants are the same, and some are far more vagina-friendly than others. Most women assume that a water-based lubricant is the safest, because … it’s water! Many doctors recommend water-based lubricants. The shelves of the drugstore are loaded with them. However, in addition to often being sticky and gloppy, popular water-based lubricants usually contain additives and preservatives that can cause irritation, tissue damage and dehydration. You read that right. Using the wrong lubricant can actually dry out your tissues more!

Your best bet is to use a silicone-based lubricant. Silicone-based lubricants are non-irritating, long-lasting and super slippery. Use it early and often.

What surprised you most about menopause? Let us know in the comments below.