| Many of the symptoms typical of menopause can be attributed to one factor: a drop in circulating levels of estrogen, the principal female hormone. Consequently, replacing estrogen by means of pills, injections, vaginal creams, or skin patches can relieve vaginal dryness, insomnia, and hot flashes and can protect against osteoporosis and other common consequences of menopause. Today, lower doses of estrogen are given than previously used, and are given in conjunction with progesterone.
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is not risk-free, however. Some women experience an increased risk of uterine cancer, gallstones, high blood pressure, thrombophlebitis, and, less seriously, nausea, breast tenderness, or fluid retention. Consequently, ERT should never be used in women who have a history of blood clots or breast or uterine cancer. And ERT should be used with caution in women who have or have had high blood pressure, diabetes, gallbladder disease, liver disease, fibroid tumors of the uterus, or cancer of the ovaries.
ERT is worth considering if you experience menopause (either naturally or because of removal of the ovaries) before the age of 40 or if you are at high risk for osteoporosis, as discussed in the previous tip. It may also be appropriate if you suffer recurrent vaginal and urinary tract infections or are bothered by hot flashes, insomnia, or vaginal dryness. (Incidentally, ERT may bestow one major benefit on women: A study conducted at the University of Southern California School of Medicine showed that women who took estrogen were less likely to die from a heart attack than women who didn't take estrogen.)
If you're taking estrogen and experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor.
- Hair loss
- Facial pigmentation
- Skin rash
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Warm, red, tender calves
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