Myth 1: HRT causes breast cancer
Fact: Not supported by the latest evidence.
If you take body-identical HRT, there’s no increased risk of breast cancer for the first five years. After that, the risk is still lower than the risks from being overweight, drinking alcohol regularly, or not exercising. In fact, oestrogen-only HRT may lower your risk.
Myth 2: HRT increases the risk of heart attack and stroke
Fact: Starting HRT before 60 can reduce your risk.
While tablet forms of HRT can slightly increase the risk of stroke or blood clots, the risk is small. Using patch, gel or spray HRT avoids it altogether. Far from being risky, HRT is often protective.
Myth 3: Wait until symptoms are unbearable before starting HRT
Fact: You don’t need to wait.
If you're experiencing symptoms, you can speak to your GP and start HRT even if you're still having periods. Early treatment can ease symptoms and help protect against health risks like osteoporosis and heart disease.
Myth 4: HRT carries the same risks as the contraceptive pill
Fact: They’re not the same.
HRT uses hormones in much lower doses than the contraceptive pill, often body-identical hormones. It doesn’t have the same effect on blood pressure or clotting when taken transdermally (through skin). That means very different safety profiles.
Myth 5: You need blood tests and scans before starting HRT
Fact: Not usually.
If you’re over 45 and showing signs of perimenopause or menopause, your GP can prescribe HRT based on symptoms alone. You may need a blood pressure check
Myth 6: Natural remedies are safer than HRT
Fact: Natural doesn’t mean safe.
Many natural remedies haven’t been through the same level of clinical research or regulation as HRT. They might not be harmful, but they may not be effective - and they’re not always risk-free. Always speak to a health professional before starting supplements.
Myth 7: HRT causes weight gain
Fact: Midlife weight gain isn’t from HRT.
Changes in muscle mass and lifestyle are the most common reasons for midlife weight gain. Some women find that once they’re sleeping better and feeling more energised on HRT, they find it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
Myth 8: HRT only delays the menopause
Fact: Menopause is a natural stage, HRT treats the symptoms.
If you stop taking HRT and notice symptoms again, it doesn’t mean HRT ‘paused’ menopause. It means your symptoms weren’t finished. You’d likely still have experienced them even if you hadn’t taken HRT.
Myth 9: You can only take HRT for five years
Fact: There’s no limit.
You can stay on HRT as long as the benefits outweigh the risks, and ongoing use can help support long-term health. For many women, that can mean using HRT for far longer than five years.
Myth 10: If you're taking HRT, you don’t need contraception
Fact: HRT isn’t a contraceptive.
Unless you've passed menopause (you haven’t had a period for 2 months), you may still be able to get pregnant. So if contraception is important to you, you’ll still need to use it until then.
Let’s Talk Menopause Month at The Club Company
You shouldn’t need to sift through myths and misinformation. We’re proud to be partnering with The Menopause Charity to support honest, useful conversations about menopause.
This October, we’re hosting Let’s Talk Menopause events across our clubs, with expert talks, coffee mornings, fitness and wellness sessions, and social events for you, your families, and the men in your life.
Join us at your local club and explore everything we’ve got planned.