WOMEN: COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MENOPAUSE
Will my body become dependent on the hormones?
HRT is not addictive in the manner of, say, narcotics, but your body will on the hormones to prevent symptoms, which may return if you stop treatment. Symptoms show that the body isn’t doing very well without oestrogen.
If I had problems with the Pill, can I use HRT?
Because the hormones in HRT are slightly different and used in a different way from those in the Pill, many of t side-effects are avoided. Some women on HRT may notice unwanted side-effects
while taking the progestogen supplement. If you’ve had problems on the Pill, your doctor will take these into account when deciding how to advise you about HRT.
If I don’t have any symptoms, should I take hormones?
There may be no reason to take hormones if you have no symptoms. However, you may not have symptoms but still be at increased risk of either heart disease or osteoporosis. If your doctor recommends HRT to protect you against these disorders, the reasons will be explained to you.
Can I get rid of symptoms with diet, herbal remedies or vitamin supplements?
No.
If any herbal or other remedy for menopausal symptoms stops hot flushes, it may be made from a plant containing something that is converted to oestrogen in the body. It’s more likely, however, that the placebo effect of doing something positive about them has reduced your symptoms.
Can’t I prevent osteoporosis by taking calcium?
No, though you might think so after seeing the ads for calcium supplements and dairy foods. There is ample evidence that calcium alone won’t prevent osteoiporosis. However, everyone needs adequate calcium to maintain healthy bones, and women over the age of 50, pregnant and breast-feeding women, adolescents and children need more. If you think your diet lacks calcium, ask your doctor about supplements.
If I’m still having periods on the hormones, could I still become pregnant?
No, not once you’ve definitely reached menopause. Before that, when natural periods may be erratic, it’s important not to risk an unplanned pregnancy. Ask your doctor about suitable contraception at this time of life.
Must I have a hysterectomy if I want to take hormones?
Some doctors recommended this in the past, before progestogen supplements were added to HRT to prevent any increased risk of uterine cancer. It is no longer a valid reason for hysterectomy.
Must I have a curette every year?
No. When progestogen supplements were being studied, women attending research clinics for HRT were asked to have an endometrial sample taken each year (by curette or other means) to study the effect of progestogen on the lining of the uterus. This is not done any more, now that it has been shown that progestogen protects against the risk of cancer of the endometrium. Curettage is advised only if there is unexpected bleeding.
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