Estrogen Replacement Therapy: An Overview
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is a treatment used to supplement the body’s natural production of estrogen, which is a hormone that is important for regulating many bodily functions. Estrogen plays a large role in female development, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. ERT has been used to treat a variety of symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other issues associated with menopause. This article provides an overview of the potential benefits and risks of ERT.
Benefits
ERT has been shown to provide a number of health benefits. For instance, ERT has been shown to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle due to decreased bone mass. In addition, ERT has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke in postmenopausal women. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer. ERT has also been found to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Risks
ERT can also carry certain risks. For instance, ERT has been linked to an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer. In addition, ERT may increase the risk of gallbladder disease and can interfere with the body’s natural production of estrogen.
Conclusion
Estrogen replacement therapy is a treatment used to supplement the body’s natural production of estrogen. ERT has been shown to provide a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke. However, ERT can also carry certain risks, such as an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer. Therefore, it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of ERT with a healthcare provider before beginning treatment.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). Hormone therapy. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Hormone-Therapy
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Estrogen replacement therapy: Understand the benefits and risks. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/estrogen-replacement-therapy/about/pac-20384921
National Institute on Aging. (2020). Estrogen therapy. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/estrogen-therapy