Dr Paula Briggs
British Menopause Society Chair and Consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health
Evidence-based information addresses menopause myths and offers alternatives to suit your needs. Find support for your symptoms today.
As the UK’s specialist authority for menopause and post-reproductive health, the British Menopause Society (BMS) aims to tackle menopause misconceptions and provides evidence-based, peer-reviewed information.
Myth: I’m missing out if I can’t have HRT
Some women are concerned that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is dangerous and increases the risk of cancer. Others believe they’re missing out if they don’t get it.
The truth is: the risk of developing breast cancer from HRT is low and, for most women taking HRT, the benefits outweigh the risks.
The use of HRT should be considered in the context of its overall benefits, including improved quality of life, bone health and cardiovascular risk reduction. However, for women who can’t have or choose not to take HRT, there are alternative treatment options. Most importantly, whatever your symptoms, advice and support are available.
Myth: menopause kills your sex life
Interest in sex can change through the menopause transition and beyond, but it doesn’t need to be game over. Sexual desire can alter for different reasons, and various treatment options are available depending on individual circumstances.
For women who can’t have or choose not to take HRT, there are alternative treatment options.
Vaginal dryness, itching and burning are common symptoms affecting over 50% of menopausal women. Treatments include vaginal moisturisers, lubricants and vaginal hormone therapy. Some women find that psychosexual counselling and specialist pelvic floor physiotherapy offer additional benefits.
Myth: testosterone will help every woman – I need it too
While there’s been media coverage about testosterone therapy, addressing persistent low sex drive in women is the only proven benefit of this treatment. HRT can have a beneficial effect on sexual function; the addition of testosterone, if necessary, can help when low libido does not improve with HRT alone.
However, testosterone is not always the answer. Sexual desire is complex, and other treatment options may be more effective. Currently, there’s not enough evidence to recommend testosterone for low energy, low mood, fatigue or brain fog.
