Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is the medical administration of estrogen externally. It may include use of progestins. ERT replaces hormones, which the ovaries no longer produce, either through natural or surgical menopause, and provides relief from the unpleasant symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats.
According to the research in the Journal of American Medicine report first published in February 19, 1997, the first use of estrogen began in the menopausal period and continued late into life is associated with the highest protection of bone density. Estrogen therapy Charlotte stated that beginning the therapy after the age of 60 does not offer bone protection as much it would.
The most common form of estrogen prescribed in America is the conjugated estrogen that is sold under the name Premarin. It is not available in any generic form. There are other types available, which include the patches. Much controversy exists regarding the use of conjugated estrogens. Their use is associated with significant reduction in the occurrence of heart disease and osteoporosis, including a reduction of approximately 10% in the occurrence of heart disease and stroke, over non-estrogen users.
Conjugated estrogen, either alone or combined with progestins have been found to lessen the levels of PA-1 by approximately 50 percent. PA-1 is the essential inhibitor of fibrinolysis. It increases in women the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This may help to explain the protective effect estrogen has in the reduction of heart disease in postmenopausal women. Studies have revealed that 15- 20% of post- menopausal women currently use ERT. Many women are aware of the risks associated with the therapy, and the side effects of high doses of conjugated estrogens that are recommended today.
In the past, most of the treatment limited the dose to 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg per day. Today, recommended daily dose of .625 mg, which is required to achieve the osteoporosis reduction benefit. Most of the risks are small; the patient must weigh the pros and cons and choose whether to continue with the conjugated estrogen or not. Some women deny the treatment because the source of conjugated estrogen is from the urine of pregnant mares. Objecting to the practice of keeping mares pregnant for the retrieval of estrogen, these women also classify menopause as the natural phenomenon. There are some women reject the use of ERT on principle, disliking the idea of using a synthetic hormone, which disrupts the natural development of the body, and fearing past disasters such as occurred with DES.
The potential risk factors involved with Estrogen therapy Charlotte led to a study relating ERTY and mortality. Conducted in 1976 and 1994, included in[censored] bents who were part of the Nurses' Health Study; the women were between the age of 30 and 55 when the study began. The variables of the study revealed that women who used estrogen replacement therapy had a lower mortality rate than the non- users; however the survival benefit of ERT decreased with long- term use and is lower for women already at risk for heart disease. Another study to determine the effects of ERT of life expectancy in postmenopausal women by the New England Journal of Medicine revealed the following. The ERT treatment reduced the chance of heart diseases, outweighed the risk of breast cancer and supported the wide spread use of estrogen therapy.
A report by the Journal of American Medicine concluded ERT might lead to improved cognition, reduced risk of dementia, or improvement in the severity of dementia. Considering the risks and benefits associated with estrogen therapy, women can take their own decision.
