1. Keep It Level
At a certain age, a woman's ovaries start producing less estrogen. Women who have had her ovaries surgically removed also have less estrogen. Estrogen replacement therapy keeps the hormone level constant. Many women opt for ERT for different reasons. It helps to lessen menopause symptoms, the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. New studies and findings on ERT are published on an ongoing basis. Speak with your primary healthcare provider for guidance and input.
2. Benefit From ERT
No longer recommended as a long-term answer to menopause symptoms, ERT does have short-term benefits. After menopause, many woman suffer from osteoporosis, which is caused by bone loss. ERT has been shown to decrease this risk, as well as the risk of colorectal cancer. ERT can also reduce the risk of heart disease. There is a controlled study being done, by Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS), to study heart disease and ERT. The results, however, are still several years away.
3. ERT Vs. HRT
During early natural menopause, ERT alone raises the risk of uterine cancer. Combined with another hormone, progesterone, it is considered safer. Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is the combination of the two hormones. Menopause brought on by surgery is safely treated with estrogen alone.
4. The Downside of ERT
There are ongoing studies on the risk of ERT. The British "Million Women Study" showed that women taking ERT have an increased risk of breast cancer. Risks of the combined hormone therapy included breast cancer, stroke and heart disease. There is also a higher frequency of mammogram abnormalities. Women who are on ERT need to have mammograms more frequently to rule out false positives.
5. Name-Brand Help
Premarin is the prescribed form of ERT used to reduce symptoms of menopause. It can help alleviate hot flashes, the risk of osteoporosis and dryness and itching in and around the vagina. There are side effects in a small percent of cases. This includes breast pain or breast enlargement, vaginitis, increase in leg cramps, vaginal bleeding and painful menstruation. Talk to your primary healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of Premarin.
