Should a woman receive estrogen (female hormone) treatment?
Estrogen relieves symptoms of menopause (hot flashes). However, recent results of the Women’s Health Initiative study showed a small but increased risk of developing breast cancer and heart disease in postmenopausal women who took estrogen and progesterone replacement. However, estrogen replacement in premenopausal women is indicated as it serves to restore estrogen levels that are normally present at that stage of life. Symptoms of estrogen deficiency, which may respond to estrogen replacement include: vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, decreased libido, breast shrinkage, dry skin, and hot flashes. Estrogen protects the bones to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and is best taken with calcium and vitamin D for maximum effect. However, there are other very effective medications to treat osteoporosis. Estrogen treatment is not given to a woman who has had breast cancer or who has a strong family history of breast cancer. In all women receiving estroge
