Facts and Myths About Hormone Replacement Therapy

If you’re struggling with symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, hot flashes, or low libido, hormone imbalance may be to blame. You’re not stuck with those symptoms forever, though.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help restore balance, but there are many myths that can cause unnecessary fear or confusion.

Melita Tate, MD, and our team at Grassroots Healthcare in Tulsa, Oklahoma, want to set the record straight about hormonal replacement therapy. Read on as we debunk common myths with facts so you can make informed choices about your health.

Myth #1: All HRT is synthetic and unsafe

Fact: Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy isn’t the same as synthetic therapy.

At Grassroots Healthcare, we use bio-identical hormones derived from plants, not synthetic or animal-based ingredients. These hormones are designed to match your natural chemistry, which allows your body to absorb and use the hormones more efficiently and safely.

Because they’re bio-identical, they’re often better tolerated and have fewer side effects than traditional synthetic options.

Myth #2: HRT is just for women

Fact: Both men and women can benefit from hormone replacement therapy.

While HRT is commonly used to manage menopause symptoms in women, men also experience hormone imbalances, especially as testosterone levels decline with age. Men’s testosterone levels start to decline once they hit their thirties.

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can support energy, muscle mass, mental clarity, and sexual health for men as well as women.

Myth #3: HRT causes cancer

Fact: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Risk depends on the type of hormones, dosage, delivery method, and your personal health history.

This fear originated from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2002. However, the study has since been reanalyzed, and researchers found that the risks were overstated, especially for younger women using hormone replacement therapy close to the onset of menopause.

For many women under age 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits of HRT — such as relief from hot flashes, prevention of bone loss, and improved quality of life — can outweigh the risks.

Not to mention, many of the early concerns around HRT came from studies using synthetic hormones, not bio-identical hormones. Dr. Tate carefully evaluates your history and monitors your treatment to minimize risks.

Myth #4: You will feel better right away

Fact: It’s normal for HRT results to take time.

Some people begin to notice improvements within days, but for others, it may take a few weeks to months to feel the full benefits as your body rebalances.

Because bio-identical hormones are prepared especially for you and your needs, they work with your body, not against it. This means you can expect gradual and natural improvements in mood, energy, sleep, and more.

Myth #5: HRT is only available as a pill

Fact: There are many ways to receive hormone replacement therapy, and you can choose what works best for you.

At Grassroots Healthcare, we offer customized delivery options, including:

Creams
Injections
Troches (a small lozenge that dissolves between your cheek and gum)
Pellets

Dr. Tate offers EvexiPEL hormone pellets. These grain-sized pellets are implanted just beneath the surface of your skin, usually in your upper hip area. The procedure is quick, done in-office, and usually takes just a few minutes.

Once in place, the pellets release a steady, continuous stream of hormones — either estradiol or testosterone — directly into your bloodstream and support consistent, balanced hormone levels for 3-5 months. This approach avoids the highs and lows of pills or short-acting therapies.

Ready to feel balanced again?

Don’t let myths keep you from feeling your best. At Grassroots Healthcare, we’re committed to safe, natural, and effective hormone replacement therapy that supports your health goals. Book a consultation by phone or online today to learn more about HRT.