$Unique_ID{BRK00198}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is Estrogen Replacement Therapy?}
$Subject{ERT estrogen replacement therapy safety Genitourinary System
menopause hormones hormone hot flashes night sweats fatigue irritability
headaches tension progesterone cancer cancers breast ovaries cervix HRT
headache}
$Volume{J-22,R-22}
$Log{
The Ovaries*0002909.scf
The Menstrual Cycle*0009101.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Estrogen Replacement Therapy?


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QUESTION:  I hate to admit it, even to myself, but I guess I am finally
reaching menopause.  I've tried to study up on its treatment, but there seems
to be more than one point of view.  Could you explain estrogen replacement
therapy and why it's necessary?  Is it safe?

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ANSWER:  During a woman's childbearing years, her ovaries produce the sex
hormone estrogen.  This female hormone is responsible for many feminine
qualities, such a giving a women full breasts and soft skin.  When a woman
reaches menopause, her ovaries gradually reduce estrogen production.  This can
lead to temporary problems such as "hot flashes," night sweats, fatigue,
irritability, headaches or tension.  Many women experience pain or discomfort
during intercourse, because estrogen is responsible for lubricating the
vagina.
     To relieve these symptoms, many women are put on Estrogen Replacement
Therapy (ERT).  The hormone can be administered in many different forms, such
as pills, injections, vaginal suppositories, ointments, pellets implanted
under the skin, skin patches, etc.
     Nowadays, estrogen is usually given in combination with another female
hormone called progesterone.  This combined therapy is called Hormone
Replacement Therapy.
     The combination treatment has been found to be more successful in
relieving the symptoms of menopause.  HRT is also safer than ERT.  Taking
estrogen without progesterone has caused excessive buildup of the uterine
lining in some women and this sometimes may lead to cancer.  The combination
therapy causes the uterus to shed its tissue lining, which is similar to
normal menstrual flow.  While no therapy can be totally safe for everyone,
recent studies of hormone replacement therapy, which is a relatively new type
of therapy, show no link between it and cancer of the breast, ovaries or
cervix.

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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.