HRT Myths Busted (Part 2)

Safer Options, Better Results, and What to Avoid

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has come a long way. Modern treatment options are safer, more precise, and completely customizable. Yet, myths from decades-old studies still cause confusion — especially when it comes to how long you can take HRT, what form is safest, or whether testosterone and bioidentical hormones are truly “natural.”

Let’s deal with some of the most common HRT misconceptions.

Myth #1: “You Can Only Use HRT Until You’re 60”

This outdated advice keeps women from feeling their best for far too long. Age alone isn’t a reason to stop HRT. For most women, the benefits of continuing therapy outweigh any small risks, even past age 60. One important benefit is prevention of osteoporosis, which worsens the older we get.  Continuing lifelong HRT is safe and acceptable, under your provider’s guidance.

What may change is the form and dose — for instance, switching from oral tablets to a transdermal patch, gel, or spray can reduce your risk of blood clots while maintaining symptom control.

Myth #2: “Higher Doses Mean Higher Cancer Risk”

Your HRT dose is adjusted based on how your body responds — not on a one-size-fits-all formula. Most women start on a low or standard dose, and if symptoms persist, your provider may gradually increase it to reach balance. Within standard dosing ranges, there’s no evidence that higher doses increase breast cancer risk.

Also, your method of delivery — whether tablet, patch, or gel — doesn’t change that risk. What matters most is using a regulated, bioidentical hormone prescribed and monitored by a qualified provider.

Myth #3: “You Can Only Take HRT for Five Years”

There’s no “expiration date” on HRT. You can safely continue for as long as your benefits outweigh the risks — and for most healthy women, that’s many years. The five-year limit was based on early, flawed interpretations of the Women’s Health Initiative study from 2002. Today’s evidence clearly supports long-term, individualized use when managed by a menopause specialist.  In fact, long-term use of HRT is where you can see benefits to your bone health, brain health, and heart health!

Regular check-ins ensure your therapy remains safe, effective, and appropriate for your age and medical history.

Myth #4: “If I Don’t Want Tablets, I Can’t Take HRT”

Good news — you have options. Modern HRT comes in many forms, including:

• Patches (steady hormone levels, lower clotting risk)

• Gels and sprays (fast absorption, flexible dosing)

• Hormone pellets (small tablets that go under your skin)

You don’t have to take a pill to get results — and in fact, they are my least favorite method.  Only oral estrogen and synthetic progestins have been associated with an increased risk of blood clots.  Transdermal forms and hormone pellets do not carry this risk, and are often preferred for convenience.

Myth #5: “I Can’t Use Vaginal Estrogen If I’m Already on HRT”

Yes, you can — and for many women, it’s essential. Systemic HRT helps with hot flashes and mood, but vaginal estrogen targets local symptoms like dryness, irritation, and painful intercourse. It can also improve bladder health and reduce urinary infections.

The amount of estrogen absorbed from creams, tablets, or rings is minuscule — far below what affects the rest of your body. There’s no evidence of additional cancer risk from combining vaginal and systemic estrogen.

Myth #6: “Private Bioidentical Hormones Are Better”

There’s a lot of marketing hype around “bioidentical” or “natural” hormones, and it’s easy to get confused.

Here’s the truth:

• Bioidentical HRT means the chemical structure of the hormone exactly matches what your body produces.  Bioidentical HRT is available in all forms (pills, patches, creams, pellets) and available from either your commercial pharmacy or a compounding pharmacy.

• Compounded hormones are sold through private clinics, and can be  custom-dosed and tailored to your symptoms.  These hormones can also be bioidentical, but compounding pharmacies may offer options not available through commercial pharmacies.

There’s no scientific evidence that compounded hormones are safer or more effective than the ones from a commercial pharmacy.  In my opinion, it is most important to choose a bioidentical version, so that we exactly mimic what your body produces on its own.

Myth #7: “I Can’t Get Pregnant If I’m Taking HRT”

This one surprises many women. HRT is not a contraceptive unless you’re using the Mirena™ coil as part of your therapy. Even if your periods are irregular or you haven’t had one in months, pregnancy can still occur during perimenopause.

If you don’t want to conceive, you’ll need to continue contraception alongside HRT until your provider says it’s safe to stop.

The Bottom Line: Personalized, Regulated HRT Is the Gold Standard

Modern HRT isn’t about guessing, “balancing naturally,” or chasing unregulated treatments — it’s about precision, safety, and long-term health. At Foundations at Maitland, we only use regulated, bioidentical hormones tailored to your lab results, medical history, and goals. Every plan is designed by Dr. Kristin Jackson, a double board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience in women’s hormone health and longevity medicine.

If you’re ready to optimize your hormones safely and effectively, we can help you feel your best from the inside out.

Listen to Dr Jackson go into detail about this topic!  You can hear the full episode on her podcast, Ageless and Outrageous.  Be sure to like and follow so you don’t miss an episode!

https://agelessandoutrageous.alitu.com/

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FOUNDATIONS AT MAITLAND

At Foundations at Maitland, in Maitland FL, we offer a full range of non-surgical treatments to help you reach your aesthetic, wellness, and sexual goals.  Our providers are highly trained and experienced.  We are led by our double-board certified surgeon, Dr Kristin Jackson, who has personally developed all treatment protocols and is closely involved in the day-to-day operations of our medical spa.  With her extensive training in all non-surgical cosmetic treatments as well as over 20 years of surgical experience, Dr Jackson is uniquely qualified to ensure our medical spa provides you with the highest standards of quality care and safety.

If you are looking for hormone replacement doctors or anti-aging doctors near you, we can help!  Contact us today for your complimentary consultation!