Menopause is one of the most significant transitions in a woman’s life. Menopause can cause a lot of hormonal changes in a woman’s body. Not only this, it can also cause women to feel much more emotional and causes major mood swings, hot flashes, night flashes, and even vaginal distress. This is due to the declining estrogen levels in the body. This is where the estrogen replacement for menopause comes into action.
There are a lot of women that are not getting this therapy. Hormone therapy for menopause has its pros and cons. In this article, we have mentioned everything you need to know about estrogen replacement for menopause. Let’s dive right into the article and take a look.
What Is Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)?
Estrogen replacement therapy is a type of menopause treatment option through which women can balance the estrogen levels in their body and treat the symptoms. After menopause, there can be a lot of hormonal changes, and one of them is the declining levels of estrogen. This causes a lot of issues, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and others.
With the help of estrogen therapy for menopause, the hormones are replaced in the body. When hormone levels rise, such as an increase in estrogen levels in the body, symptoms are eased. ERT is performed in various ways. You can either take pills for it, get gels or patches, and even creams that can help with managing the levels of estrogen in the body.
Symptoms of Menopause That ERT Aims To Treat
There are a lot of different symptoms that come with menopause. Some of the common symptoms that the ERT can treat are hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Other than this, it can also help with the mood swings that are associated with low levels of estrogen in the body.
Estrogen replacement therapy for menopause also helps with urinary health and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections. It can also prevent bone loss and reduce the chances of developing osteoporosis. By addressing these issues, you can improve your quality of life and maintain a healthy body even after menopause.
Types of Estrogen Therapy
There are a lot of different types of estrogen replacement for menopause. Below, we have listed some of the major types that you can easily find.
Oral Tablets
There are different oral estrogen tablets, which are one of the most common types of estrogen therapy. They can be taken on a daily basis and can be very convenient as you can take them anywhere you want. However, there are some risks associated with this, as it is processed through the liver, which can cause a higher risk of blood clots.
Transdermal Patches
These are the patches that can be applied to the skin. They are generally used in the abdomen or buttocks area, which releases steady estrogen into the bloodstream. This is a great way to intake estrogen, as it can bypass the liver and hence reduce the chances of developing blood clots. These patches can be changed once or twice a day.
Topical Gels, Sprays, and Creams
There are different kinds of gels, sprays, and creams. These treatments can be used to treat local symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, and help with urinary discomfort. However, these are the least effective methods for introducing estrogen into the body.
Benefits of ERT
There are various benefits and risks of HRT. Below, we have listed some of the major benefits that you can obtain. Let’s take a look at them.
Relief Menopausal Symptoms
Estrogen replacement therapy can be very beneficial for treating menopausal symptoms. It can be a great treatment for menopausal-related mood swings, hot flashes, and night sweats. The estrogen levels are stabilized because of this therapy, and hence, it helps with relieving all the symptoms.
Improves Bone Health
During menopause, the decreased levels of estrogen can cause reduced bone density. This can ultimately lead to osteoporosis. However, with this hormone therapy for menopause, you can improve bone health. ERT helps preserve bone density, strengthens bones, and reduces the chances of fractures.
Enhanced Heart Health
Improved estrogen levels due to ERT therapy can also enhance heart health. This can help improve cholesterol levels, enhance the overall health of your heart, and reduce the chances of developing postmenopausal heart disease.
Better Sleep
During menopause, women can experience disturbances in their sleep. The fluctuating levels of estrogen can cause night sweats and hot flashes, which can lead to disturbed sleep. However, with the ERT, you can improve your sleep and experience a peaceful and restful night’s sleep.
Risks and Side Effects
There can be some side effects of estrogen replacement therapy as well. Below, we have listed some of the major risks and side effects that a person might experience.
Blood Clots
The first risk of estrogen replacement therapy, especially the oral tablets, can increase the risk of blood clots. The oral tablets of estrogen are digested in the liver, which can lead to blood clots in the system. People with medical history and smoking history are more prone to developing blood clots because of estrogen.
Breast Cancer
In some cases, it is also seen that breast cancer is also caused by estrogen replacement therapy. This therapy can trigger aggressive cell production that can lead to the development of breast cancer in women.
Hormonal Changes
Estrogen replacement therapy can also cause hormonal changes in women. Mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness are some of the common symptoms that you might experience because of the ERT.
Who Should Or Shouldn’t Consider ERT
Now, another question that a lot of people have is who should consider this menopause treatment option. Estrogen replacement therapy is generally recommended for women who are experiencing severe menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Women who are under the age of 60 or in the 10 years of menopausal onset can also opt for this therapy. There are a lot of benefits that women can get from this replacement therapy.
However, this treatment is not suitable for all women. Women who have a history of breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, blood clots, or even stroke should not opt for this therapy. Therefore, before starting this therapy, it is essential to consult a physician.
Alternatives To ERT
If you don’t want to opt for the estrogen treatment, then there are other natural alternatives to estrogen. Below, we have mentioned some of them.
Lifestyle Changes
The first step is to make some lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress-reducing activities can be very helpful in easing menopause symptoms. This is the most effective and healthiest alternative available.
Natural Supplements
There are numerous healthy supplements that you can incorporate into your daily diet. Progesterone-rich foods such as flax seeds and soy can really help with balancing estrogen levels even after menopause. It can also help with the management of menopausal symptoms. Amberen: Safe Multi-Symptom Menopause Relief can be a great option if you are looking for a gummy that helps with all the different symptoms related to menopause.
Gels and Creams
You can also opt for different gels and creams, which can be a great alternative to the ERT. There are various types of gels and lotions available on the market. Estrogen Estriol Cream and Estrogen Cream for Women, Natural Bioidentical, can be two of the best options.
Importance of Consulting a Healthcare Professional
It is very important to consult a doctor before starting any therapy. Professionals are trained to ensure that you receive the right treatment tailored to your medical history, body needs, and symptoms. Self-diagnosis can be very harmful as you won’t know what is the right thing for you and according to your body. This is why it is very important to consult a doctor beforehand.
Summary
When women reach a certain age, they enter the menopause stage. Menopause can cause a lot of issues for a woman, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and a lot more. This is where estrogen replacement therapy comes into action. This therapy helps manage the levels of estrogen in the body and eases all the symptoms. Hence, we hope this article was beneficial for you.
