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For Suzanne Schick, 61, dealing with menopause symptoms resulted in poor sleep, hot flushes and osteoporosis.
But her decision to start Menopause Hormonal Therapy (MHT), also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), was a gamechanger.
“Within a year of taking MHT, I reversed my osteoporosis which was a huge surprise to me and also my GP,” Ms Schick said.
“It was quite a remarkable turnaround.
“My hot flushes have also stopped, and as a result, I am finally getting a full night’s sleep.”
Millions of women are currently in perimenopause or menopause in Australia, and research shows around 80 per cent of women are impacted by menopause in a moderate to severe way, but it’s estimated that less than 20 per cent are using Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), largely due to misinformation. [1]
Women’s health experts at Mater believe hundreds of thousands of Australian women are needlessly suffering during perimenopause and menopause because of myths surrounding the therapy.
Mater gynaecologist Stacey Davie said thousands of women are suffering in silence, and for most women, the health benefits outweigh the risks in taking MHT.
“Unfortunately, misinformation is prevalent when it comes to MHT, largely due to a study from 2002 that misrepresented data from a group of women who were on average 60 plus and the hormones used were synthetic, not bioidentical like the ones we use today,” Dr Davie said.
“It set women’s health back decades, and made them afraid to take hormones, but the latest research clearly shows there are numerous health benefits for perimenopausal and menopausal women being on MHT, if they start the therapy before turning 60.
“We now know that MHT can improve bone and heart health and even lower cholesterol, which then reduces heart attack risk.” [2]
Perimenopause usually begins during a woman’s 40s and causes fluctuations in the hormone’s oestrogen and progesterone, often leading to symptoms including hot flushes, anxiety, sleeping difficulties and loss of bone density. These symptoms can continue for years after menopause is reached.
Three out of four women will experience these symptoms and for one in four, the symptoms can be severe[3], and around one in seven women are forced to take extended leave or early retirement as a result[4].
Despite these impacts, it’s estimated that less than 20 per cent of women use Menopausal Hormone Therapy, largely due to misinformation.[5]
Dr Davie said she’s had excellent feedback from women who’ve gone on MHT, including increased energy, sex drive, even weight loss, which is contrary to the long-held myth that hormones lead to weight gain.
“There is also a longstanding myth that MHT causes significant weight gain, but research shows women using MHT do not gain more weight than women not using it. Oestrogen can help regulate metabolism, maintain lean body mass and reduce abdominal fat accumulation,” Dr Davie said.
“And because women on MHT are often sleeping better, experiencing fewer symptoms and feeling more energised, they are usually more motivated to exercise and prioritise their overall health and wellbeing.”
“Research shows that women using MHT do not gain more weight than women not using it,” Dr Davie said.
“In fact, large clinical trials from the Women’s Health Initiative have shown that MHT can help women regain muscle and redistribute fat.
“Many women also report ‘improved mood benefits,’ so they feel more motivated to exercise and take care of themselves.
Before commencing MHT in 2024, Ms Schick went for a DEXA scan, which determines bone density and was told she had osteoporosis and should start intravenous drug therapy.
“I was keen to try MHT to see if it improved my bone health, and in addition to osteoporosis, I also had a variety of menopausal symptoms that I was keen to have treated,” Ms Schick said.
Dr Davie said all women who are thinking of taking MHT should consult with their GP and have a mammogram or an ultrasound before starting treatment.
“It is imperative that before starting MHT that women are up to date with their screening and that their GP has done an individual assessment to outweigh the benefits and risks,” Dr Davie said.
In the latest federal budget announcement additional menopause hormone therapies have been added to the PBS, reducing the cost significantly and making it more accessible to millions of women.
[1] Menopause Statistics Australia: An In-Depth Look at Women's Health & Support Down Under - Menopause Mastery
[2] https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00198-020-05497-8.pdf
[3] Menopause and Perimenopause - Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
[4] Menopause costs women’s retirement outcomes - ASFA
[5] Menopause Statistics Australia: An In-Depth Look at Women's Health & Support Down Under - Menopause Mastery
