Estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves taking estrogen to replace the estrogen that the body no longer produces naturally after menopause. Estrogen has many important functions in the body, so taking HRT can provide relief from menopausal symptoms and prevent certain health risks associated with low estrogen levels.
Some of the key effects of estrogen HRT include:
Relieving hot flashes and night sweats. Hot flashes and night sweats are common symptoms of menopause, caused by declining estrogen levels. Taking estrogen supplements helps restore estrogen levels and reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats.
Preventing bone loss. Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones. Low estrogen after menopause leads to accelerated bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Estrogen HRT slows the rate of bone loss, helping to prevent fractures.
Reducing vaginal atrophy. The lining of the vagina becomes thinner and drier due to low estrogen levels after menopause. This can lead to vaginal atrophy, causing symptoms like vaginal dryness, irritation, itching, and painful intercourse. Estrogen applied locally as a vaginal cream can improve vaginal atrophy.
Maintaining heart health. Estrogen has beneficial effects on cholesterol levels and the health of blood vessels. Estrogen HRT can help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels while raising "good" HDL cholesterol. It also helps keep blood vessels flexible and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in women within 10 years of menopause.
Supporting pelvic health. Estrogen helps maintain the health of tissues like those in the bladder and urethra. Low estrogen after menopause can weaken these tissues, leading to urinary incontinence and frequent UTIs. Estrogen HRT may improve urinary tract health.
Lifting mood. Estrogen affects brain chemistry and the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin that regulate mood. Declining estrogen is linked to an increased risk of depression in perimenopause and postmenopause. Estrogen HRT may have antidepressant effects.
Preserving cognitive function. Estrogen helps support brain health and cognitive processes like memory and learning. HRT initiated soon after menopause may help delay or prevent cognitive decline.
Reducing diabetic neuropathy. Nerve damage caused by diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) is more common in individuals with low estrogen levels. Estrogen supplements may help reduce neuropathy symptoms like pain, tingling, and numbness.
There are different forms of estrogen HRT, including pills, skin patches, gels, sprays, and vaginal creams/tablets. Your doctor can help determine the best estrogen preparation and dosage to address your specific symptoms and health needs. They will also take into account your risk factors for side effects like blood clots or stroke.
When taken properly under medical supervision, estrogen HRT is generally safe and effective for most healthy women dealing with menopause symptoms and estrogen deficiency. The benefits typically outweigh the risks when HRT is started within 10 years of menopause. Be sure to discuss the pros and cons thoroughly with your doctor.
Regular health check-ups and monitoring are important while on HRT to ensure you are not experiencing any adverse effects. Report any unusual symptoms promptly. Long-term HRT use for more than 5-10 years may increase health risks, so your doctor can advise on when to taper off estrogen therapy.
There are excellent estrogen hormone replacement options available today to suit individual needs. At The Hormone Hub, our compassionate doctors have extensive experience with all forms of HRT to safely manage menopause and promote long-lasting health in ageing women. Contact us today to start your HRT journey! Our personalized approach targets your specific hormonal deficiencies and symptoms for optimal relief.
