Is estrogen replacement therapy the answer for women?

As women age, there are a number of chemical changes that take place which can cause aging and increase the risk for a number of diseases. Estrogen, which decreases with age, is one hormone very important to a woman's health. Natural estrogen replacement is a solution to the aging effects caused by the loss of this hormone, and estrogen replacement therapy is used by many women to protect against the effects of aging. The average life span has risen greatly in the past century, and women today can live for at least 30 years after menopause, which usually occurs around age 50.

The importance of estrogen

Estrogen is a female sex hormone secreted by the ovaries and the adrenal glands. It is the “feminine” hormones which triggers the development of secondary sexual characteristics, maintains a normal menstrual cycle, encourages calcification of the bones and helps the body retain water and salt. A woman's production of estrogen is decreased with the onset of menopause, after surgical removal of the ovaries, or following the destruction of the ovaries through disease.

Insufficient estrogen can lead to a number of symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, thin skin, and vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse, vaginal bleeding and urinal infections. There are also some psychological effects. They include depression, loss of concentration, irritability, decreased sexual desire and sleeplessness. The risk of developing some diseases, especially osteoporosis and heart disease, will be high when your body does not produce enough estrogen.

The benefits of estrogen therapy

While it is normal for women to lose estrogen as they become old, it is not good for them. One way to prevent the effects of decreased estrogen production is through estrogen therapy, which has been used since 1960s to treat menopausal symptoms. It is most often used during or after menopause to prevent osteoporosis or heart problems, and is also recommended after the surgical removal or failure of the ovaries, as an oral contraceptive to prevent pregnancy, and to treat prostate cancer. Natural estrogen replacement improves physical appearance, increase sex drive, protect the heart, and improve one's sense of well being and to help older women to look young and feminine.

Examining the risks

The primary risk with receiving estrogen therapy is the chances of developing breast cancer. There are also increased risks for stroke, uterine or ovarian cancer, and gallstones. Any type of hormone replacement therapy can also put a patient at risk of developing blood clots. Some side effects which can occur with estrogen therapy include headaches, nausea, vaginal discharge, fluid retention, weight gain, breast tenderness, and asthma. Estrogen treatment should not be used by women who are pregnant, smoke, suffer from irregular vaginal bleeding, have a liver disease, or have a personal history of breast cancer.

How is it administered?

Estrogen supplements are available in both natural and synthetic forms. The natural form is less potent than the synthetic form, and is less likely to produce negative side effects. Both forms of estrogen can be administered in a number of ways orally or through injections. It can be used as an implant under the skin, as a skin cream or gel, or through the vagina. If a pill is taken the estrogen must pass through the liver before reaching the blood stream, which can put extra stress on an impaired or damaged liver. Different side effects can also occur depending on which form of administration you use, so it is important to consult your doctor regarding the best method.

Are there any alternatives?

If you are unable to receive estrogen therapy or unable to afford it, there are some alternatives which can provide similar benefits. There are many herbs which are known to help relieve menopausal symptoms, such as sage, chamomile, ginseng and black cohosh. There are other drugs and medications which can treat many of the same symptoms as estrogen therapy treats. Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants is also beneficial for fighting the effects. Maintaining healthy habits such and exercises and refraining from habits like smoking and drinking can endanger your health.

Estrogen replacement therapy is designed for postmenopausal women and to help in managing the symptoms of menopause. This can be best used if the healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet and regular exercises. Estrogen replacement can be very beneficial for some women. If you are concerned about the health risks and signs of aging of menopause, it could be worthwhile to discuss natural estrogen replacement with your doctor to see if it could work for you.