Estrogen supplementation is available by prescription only and is not the same at taking a dietary supplement. Estrogen levels peak in your 20s and decline 80 percent by age 80. Estrogen is a female hormone responsible for the menstrual cycle. According to Medline Plus, a service of the United States, National Library of Medicine, estrogen replacement, or estrogen therapy, is generally recommended by doctors to relieve symptoms associated with lack of estrogen during menopause.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes can happen at any time, leaving you hot, sweaty and uncomfortable. According to the Mayo Clinic, hot flashes are a common symptom of low estrogen. As many as 85 percent of women experience hot flashes as they go through menopause, according to the Mayo Clinic. Though treatment is not necessary, estrogen can relieve this symptom if you are not tolerating it well.
Sleep Difficulties
Changes in sleep patterns during menopause can leave you tossing and turning all night, and when you do finally fall asleep, you may wake feeling unrested. A lack of refreshing sleep can cause you to feel tired and irritable. Or, you may be able to fall asleep on time, but are unable to sleep through the night, waking in the early morning hours. According to the Mayo Clinic, estrogen can help to restore your natural sleep patterns so that you sleep through the night and wake refreshed.
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is another uncomfortable symptom of low estrogen that can present itself during menopause, leaving you itchy and sore. Vaginal dryness can make sexual intercourse painful and uncomfortable. When used vaginally or on the skin, estrogen is absorbed into the blood stream, relieving vaginal dryness.
Night Sweats
Waking up after a night's sleep with your clothes soaking wet is a sign of night sweats. These are a common symptom of low estrogen during menopause that are relieved quickly by estrogen treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic. If it happens every night, or too frequently for you to tolerate, your doctor may consider recommending estrogen therapy.
Plant Estrogen
Plant estrogens, or phytoestrogens, are estrogen-like chemicals produced by plants. Soy is one common source of phytoestrogens. Researchers don't know whether phytoestrogens behave the same way in your body as natural estrogen. Increasing dietary intake of phytoestrogens does not exert clinical improvement of low estrogen symptoms, according to a 2004 study published in "Obstetrics and Gynecology."
Risks
According to the National Institutes of Health, there are risks associated with estrogen therapy. Blood clots are a risk factor, especially if you smoke. You are also at an increased risk of gallbladder disease. Estrogen may increase your risk for cardiovascular disease, says NIH. If you take estrogen over long periods, it can represent a small increase in your risk of developing breast cancer.
Side Effects
As with all medicines, side effects can occur. Estrogen therapy can cause side effects, including, bloating, breast soreness, headaches, mood swings, nausea and water retention. Discuss the risks and side effects of estrogen therapy with your doctor.
