Estrogen is a female hormone. During menopause, estrogen levels decrease, causing uncomfortable symptoms such as extreme vaginal dryness or irritation, hot flashes, night sweats or mood swings. Estrogen treatments have faced some varying criticism however they still remain the most commonly-used treatment for menopause. There are a number of estrogen treatments available. Your doctor can advise you on the best option for you.
Step 1
Choose hormone replacement therapy. HRT involves taking pills which contain a combination of estrogen and progesterone. HRT is often implemented by taking birth control pills. However, you should only take birth control pills prescribed by your physician to ensure you are taking the appropriate doses. Your physician will assess your family and medical history, age, risk for cancers and the severity of your symptoms to determine the best method for treatment.
Step 2
Choose estrogen replacement therapy if you have had a hysterectomy. ERT is generally only prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy because taking estrogen by itself can increase your risk of uterine cancer. As there are risks involved with every method of treatment, your doctor will discuss those risks with you.
Step 3
Administer estrogen locally. Your physician can prescribe a tablet, ring or cream that can be inserted into the vagina to alleviate vaginal dryness. Once applied, the estrogen is absorbed by the tissues, increasing moisture and alleviating dryness. This method of treatment can also help to relieve the discomfort you may feel during intercourse as well as other potential vaginal symptoms.
