What is Estrogen Replacement Therapy?

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

12 May 2008 03:44 PM

Since I've been on a roll with hormone replacement therapy information lately, I thought I'd add one more. Hormone replacement therapy often means a combination of estrogen and progestin -- estrogen replacement therapy only means one kind of hormone.

Estrogen replacement therapy is used to increase estrogen levels in postmenopausal women who have no uterus. Women who do have a uterus usually need a combination therapy to prevent the estrogen hormone from causing the uterine lining to over-grow (which can lead to uterine cancer). Candidates for estrogen replacement therapy include:

• Women who experience early menopause after having their ovaries removed
• Women who experience early menopause for other medical reasons
• Women who cannot tolerate the side effects of progestin in combination hormone replacement therapy

Women should not use estrogen replacement therapy if they:

• Are pregnant
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Have active liver disease or impaired liver function
• Have a personal history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or endometrial cancer
• Are a smoker

Estrogen replacement therapy is available in several different forms, including a patch, vaginal ring, skin cream or gel, and pills or tablets. Studies have shown that ERT can help prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis, reduce symptoms related to hormone changes (like hot flashes and sleep problems), maintain vaginal lining, increase levels of collagen in the skin, and reduce the risk of dental problems. Estrogen replacement therapy may also reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of estrogen replacement therapy. In some women, using estrogen replacement therapy increases your risk of stroke, blood clots, breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and gallstones.

For a look at some of the side effects of estrogen replacement therapy, click here.

Researchers are also looking at the benefits of low-dose estrogen therapy. Some studies have shown that a low dose may help prevent osteoporosis as well as a higher dose. However, we don't have much data on the long term risks and side effects of taking low-dose estrogen.

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