$Unique_ID{BRK00088} $Pretitle{} $Title{Are Estrogens Safe?} $Subject{osteoporosis prevention menopause Musculoskeletal System Connective Tissue Estrogen Estrogens menopause progesterone hot flash flashes bone hip fractures calcium loss hysterectomy atherosclerotic myocardial infarction endometrial carcinoma uterus ovary ovarian failure hormone hormones infarctions menstruating menstruation hysterectomies} $Volume{M-17, M-22, C-17, C-22} $Log{ Contributing Factors to Osteoporosis*0005701.scf Osteoporosis*0005702.scf Anterolateral Myocardial Infarction*0005401.scf Anteroseptal Myocardial Infarction*0005402.scf Posteroinferior Myocardial Infarction*0005403.scf Posteroseptal Myocardial Infarction*0005404.scf Apical Myocardial Infarction*0005405.scf Anterobasal Myocardial Infarction*0005406.scf Posterolateral Myocardial Infarction*0005407.scf Posterobasal Myocardial Infarction*0005408.scf} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Are Estrogens Safe? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: Isn't it dangerous to take estrogens? How do I know they are safe for me, or when a woman should take them? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: Estrogen replacement has become a leading treatment for hot flashes, osteoporosis, and other conditions once accepted as the inevitable consequences of menopause. Although it is not suitable for every woman after menopause, new combinations of estrogen and progesterone therapy, and the development of several ways to take these medications, are helping many women. Estrogen replacement therapy seems to be effective for hot flashes, making them occur less often and less intensively in 98% of the women treated. However, there are other therapies that may also be helpful for this problem, which may last a year a more. A much more serious problem is osteoporosis, which can lead to bone and hip fractures and serious complications. Since no treatment can reverse osteoporosis, prevention is the key. Prevention begins before menopause, and includes a routine of weight-bearing exercise, a diet with calcium and vitamin D, no smoking, and little drinking of alcoholic beverages. Mounting evidence suggests that estrogen replacement therapy, along with progesterone immediately after menopause, can go a long way in preventing bone loss. The time to begin is based more on menopause than on age, and even if therapy is begun late, it can still help slow or stop bone loss. Women who have stopped menstruating because of hysterectomy would be advised to begin estrogen and progesterone therapy regardless of their age. Researchers believe that estrogen delays the beginning of atherosclerotic heart disease in women, and that estrogen replacement therapy lowers the risk for heart attack (myocardial infarction). Estrogen suppositories can improve vaginal lubrication and other changes associated with menopause that can interfere with sexual interest and comfort. The impact of estrogen therapy and menopause on a woman's emotional state is still being studied. Research has shown that women given estrogen had more restful sleep than untreated women. But it is difficult to measure how much better a woman's memory is, how much less insomnia she has, or whether she is less depressed before and after estrogen replacement therapy. The most potentially serious side effect of estrogen replacement is endometrial carcinoma, a type of cancer that has a higher incidence in treated women. Estrogen itself does not cause cancer, but it seems to make the uterus more likely to respond to something that does. Recent reports suggest that the risk can be reduced by decreasing the dose of estrogen, shortening the length of time you take it, and by adding progesterone to the therapy. In light of our current information on estrogen and the safer and more pleasant ways we have of taking it, it can help many women feel more like they did before menopause. As women's life expectancy increases, therapies such as estrogen replacement can help improve the quality of your life. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.