Several studies have shown those postmenopausal women taking estrogen have one third to one half the risk of heart attack than women not on estrogen. Women may even experience a protective effect from high blood pressure and blood clots if they are on low doses of estrogen (0.625 mg.) If you have several of the following risk factors for heart disease, i.e. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a family history of heart disease, diabetes and/or an enlarged heart, you may be in a group of women who would live at least three years longer by taking estrogen.
ELIMINATE HOT FLASHES
The FDA has approved estrogen for the treatment of hot flashes, vaginal dryness and osteoporosis. Hot flashes are that sudden wave of heat that starts in your chest and rushes up your neck and face. They are almost always cured by estrogen replacement. Hot flashes occurring at night are known as night sweats and can cause sleeplessness with resulting irritability the next day. Night sweats are almost always cured by estrogen replacement therapy. In fact these symptoms are often used as a barometer to see if the dose of estrogen is correct.
REVERSE VAGINAL AND URINARY TRACT CHANGES
Changes in the vagina and bladder are seen within ten years and can lead to burning, itching, painful intercourse and frequent vaginal and bladder infections as well as urinary incontinence. Both the vagina and the bladder are very sensitive to HRT, and these symptoms are inevitably relieved by oral estrogen (by mouth) or by creams containing estrogen. HRT thickens the vaginal and bladder walls and stimulates the vaginal glands to produce the lubrication necessary to make sexual intercourse enjoyable.
ELIMINATE MOOD SWINGS
There is now sufficient data to conclude that estrogen which enhances mood complaints such as irritability, crying spells and feelings of sadness that typically appear during menopause usually respond to HRT. Estrogen may even boost the effectiveness of some antidepressant medications. Some women who do not respond to antidepressant medication may respond to estrogen. The effect of HRT on mood may be secondary to its ability to relieve irritability and hot flashes thereby enhancing mood in an indirect way. Progesterone therapy, which is added to estrogen to protect against endometrial cancer can exacerbate or cause depressive symptoms. These complexities of mood need to be worked out with your healthcare provider.
REGAIN SEXUAL FUNCTION
The integrity of the female reproductive tract is dependent on estrogen. Degenerative changes ensue when levels of estrogen decline after menopause. There is no question that estrogen can restore the degenerative changes the reproductive tract. First, the vagina becomes more pliable and well lubricated. This primes you for sexual activity. Second, androgen supplementation can increase sexual desire, motivation, fantasies, satisfaction and pleasure.
PROTECT YOUR BONES
Calcium, vitamin D, and exercise are not enough. If you are postmenopausal and at risk for osteoporosis there are measures you can take to protect your bones. If you have a medical reasons not to take estrogen Fosemax® is FDA approved for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. The nasal spray Miacalin® is also approved to treat osteoporosis but not to prevent it. Estrogen remains the drug of choice for osteoporosis especially since it adds all the other benefits listed here. Progesterone added to estrogen has been found to increase its beneficial effects and when you add testosterone the effects may be increased even further. Most bone loss occurs within 5-7 years after menopause. Therefore, treatment should be started early. Transdermal and oral estrogen both work well. Other forms of estrogen such as creams or rings may not be effective in treating osteoporosis.
SAVE YOUR SKIN
Hormone replacement therapy will not reverse sun damage or repair broken blood vessels. Smoking damages your skin in ways that estrogen can't reverse. Estrogen plays a role in the way fat is distributed under your skin. Loss of this fat can make your skin look older than it should. Testosterone, which can be prescribed with estrogen helps regulate the skins oil gland activity. With age, oil production decreases and can lead to drying. Women who go through a late menopause tend to have younger looking skin, as do women on HRT. To have younger looking skin is not a reason to start HRT, however, it is a side effect most women don't mind.
Disclaimer - Menopause-Online is not intended as medical advice. Its intent is solely informational and educational. The information is not a substitute for talking with your health professional.
