Also known as hormone therapy, estrogen replacement therapy is used to treat the symptoms of menopause: hot flashes, decreased sexual desire, vaginal dryness, mood swings and sleep disorders. Often, progesterone and estrogen are used in hormone therapy; however, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), women who have had their uterus removed would only use estrogen. According to the Mayo Clinic, estrogen replacement therapy is safest for women under the age of 60. While there are multiple side effects of estrogen replacement therapy, changing the dose or form of therapy can alleviate symptoms.
Water Retention and Bloating
Some women who use estrogen replacement therapy may suffer from water retention, according to NIH. Water retention can result in temporary weight gain. In addition to the water retention, women who use estrogen replacement therapy can also have abdominal bloating, according to NIH.
Nausea and Headaches
According to NIH, women who use estrogen replacement therapy may have a sick feeling as a side effect. For example, women might have nausea and headaches. The severity of the nausea and headaches depends on the amount of estrogen the woman is receiving, according to NIH.
Breast Soreness
Another side effect of estrogen replacement therapy is breast soreness, according to NIH. The breast can feel constantly sore, though the breast may hurt even more when touched.
Mood Swings
Other women may experience mood swings as a result of estrogen replacement therapy. According to NIH, the woman may change from anger to sadness to happiness. Like the other side effects of estrogen replacement therapy, the severity of the mood swings is dependent on the level of estrogen used in the treatment.
Irregular Bleeding
The last possible side effect of estrogen replacement therapy is irregular bleeding, according to NIH. The irregular bleeding can appear as spotting or similar to a menstrual period. NIH recommends that women tell their doctors if they experience any unusual bleeding.
