Benefits of Bioidentical Estrogen Replacement in Postmenopausal Women
Protects against Cardiovascular Disease (70% lower mortality, with lowered total cholesterol and increase in HDL – the good cholesterol), stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, memory disorders, vaginal atrophy & dryness, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, osteoporosis, macular degeneration, cataracts, and cancer (colon).
Improves muscle tone, hair quality, sex life, and skin tone (fewer wrinkles and sagging).
Decreases visceral fat.
Potential side effects of Estrogen
SYNTHETIC Estrogen is not the same as BIOIDENTICAL Estrogen!
Note that we will only prescribe the BIOIDENTICAL form of estrogen. SYNTHETIC estrogen (Premarin) and synthetic progestin (Provera) increased the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and strokes in menopausal women, as shown in the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative Trial. BIOIDENTICAL estrogen (estradiol) has NO increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and strokes. Blood clots (Deep Venous Thrombosis, or DVTs) may rarely occur with the oral form of estrogen but especially with Premarin. Again, we will only prescribe the BIOIDENTICAL form of estrogen.
Potential side effects from estrogen include breast tenderness, bleeding, bloating (fluid retention), breakout (acne), mood swings, headaches, gallstones, and uterine fibroids. If progesterone is not used in conjunction with estrogen, there is a risk of breast and endometrial cancer. If oral progesterone is used with estrogen, there is no increased risk. Blood clots (Deep Venous Thrombosis, or DVTs) may rarely occur only with the oral form of estrogen and especially with Premarin.
Who should be cautious with the use of Estrogen?
Those with uterine fibroids, headaches, gallstones, or fibrocystic breast disease. However, the use of progesterone will prevent the worsening of these conditions. We will only prescribe the BIOIDENTICAL form of estrogen.
Who should NOT start Estrogen orally?
If you are older than 60 years old, 10 or more years out from menopause with cardiovascular risk factors, BMI > 30 (overweight), smoke, OR have a personal or family history of DVTs (blood clots), there is an increased risk for myocardial infarction by rupturing plaques. However, the use of transdermal estrogen (the patch) does not carry this risk. Unfortunately, transdermal estrogen does not provide the same beneficial protective effects. That’s why it would be better to be on oral estrogen than the transdermal form.
Who should not start Estrogen at all?
Those with active breast cancer.
Who might consider Estrogen use?
Anyone who would like the benefits noted above and any post-menopausal woman.
How is Estrogen supplied?
Estrogen comes in oral and transdermal (cream or patch) forms.
