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Estrogen Replacement Therapy

Women entering menopause notice many signs of the loss of the female hormone, estrogen. Hot flashes, flushes, and a dry vagina are common complaints. Women often seek hormonal treatment for relief from these problems. Yet, the most important benefit of hormone replacement is prevention of heart disease and osteoporosis, which is known as thinning of the bones.

Preventing these long term problems is the main goal of estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen is given in the form of pills or patches to replace what the body no longer makes. It relieves the hot flashes, reduces the loss of calcium from the bones, and increases the good cholesterol in our blood.

Most women are able to take estrogen replacement therapy, but the benefits and risks must be weighed. Estrogen may not be appropriate for women with:

• vaginal bleeding without a known reason

• liver disease or poor liver function

• recent blood clots

• cancer of the breast or

• cancer of the uterus

Estrogen taken alone increases the risk for cancer in the uterus. When it is combined with progesterone, another female hormone, there is much less chance of cancer of the uterus. This combination is the safest way to take estrogen and still get the benefits.

After a complete review of the risks and benefits of this therapy and an exam, your healthcare provider may make one of several suggestions about estrogen replacement therapy:

• take estrogen daily each month, with progesterone taken for about 14 days each month

• take combined estrogen and progesterone daily or

• take estrogen daily without progesterone (Women who have had their uterus removed can use this method, since they have no risk of developing uterine cancer.)

Estrogen replacement therapy helps to protect the heart and bones from long-term problems and stops some of the more uncomfortable symptoms related to menopause. Women who are entering menopause should consult with their healthcare provider to choose the best course of treatment for their symptoms and state of health.

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