Estrogen Therapy

Question: Estrogen Therapy? What are the risks of estrogen therapy? a. breast cancer b. endometrial cancer c. increased cholesterol d. a&b only

Answer: d. a & b only

Question: What can I expect starting estrogen therapy? I'm 49, close to 50. Had my uterus removed 4wks ago. Just started taking low dose estrogen. I know it's suppose to help the hot flashes, but what else?

Answer: First of all, you can read this if you want to know: Estrogen, in pill, patch, or gel form, is the single most effective therapy for suppressing hot flashes. The term estrogen therapy, or ET, refers to estrogen administered alone. Because ET alone can cause uterine cancer (endometrial cancer), a progestin is administered together with estrogen in women who have a uterus to eliminate the increased risk. Thus, the term estrogen/progestin therapy, or EPT, refers to a combination of estrogen and progestin therapy, as is given to a woman who still has a uterus. This method of prescribing hormones is also known as combination hormone therapy. The term hormone therapy (HT) is a more general term that is used to refer to either administration of estrogen alone (women who have had a hysterectomy), or combined estrogen/progestin therapy (women with a uterus). All forms of hormone therapy (HT) that are FDA-approved for therapy of hot flashes are similarly effective in suppressing hot flashes. What are the side effects and risks of hormone therapy (HT)? Women can experience side effects during hormone therapy; these can be divided into more minor side effects, and more serious side effects. The more minor side effects are more common than the serious side effects, and are generally perceived by women as annoying.・These symptoms include: headaches, nausea, breast pain. It is still controversial which of these side effects are due to the estrogen component as compared to the progesterone component. Therefore, if side effects persist for a few months, the doctor will often alter either the progesterone or the estrogen part of the hormone therapy (HT). Contrary to common belief, recent research has confirmed that women who take commonly prescribed doses of hormone therapy (HT) are no more likely to gain weight than women not taking hormone therapy (HT). This is probably because menopause or aging itself is associated with weight gain, regardless of hormone therapy. (endometrial cancer): Research shows that women who have their uterus and use estrogen alone are at risk for endometrial cancer. Today, however, most doctors prescribe the combination of estrogen and progestin. Progestin protects against endometrial cancer. If there is a particular reason why a woman with a uterus cannot take some form of progesterone, her doctor will take sample tissue from her uterus (endometrial biopsy) to check for cancer annually while she is taking estrogen. Women without a uterus (including women who have had a hysterectomy) have no risk of endometrial cancer.

Question: what type of drugs are appropriate for estrogen therapy? are the following drugs advisable to administer on patients with cystocele that are in need of estrogen therapy, if not, what can be administered: -premarin -premelle -premelle cycle -primax are there other drugs that can be used on patients with cystocele

Answer: Up to Date: Cystocele: hernia of the bladder with associated descent of the anterior vaginal segment. There is no evidence estrogen therapy will prevent prolapse or that it is an effective treatment of prolapse symptoms. Mayo Clinic/University of Maryland Medical Center: This site states that a doctor may recommend using estrogen — either orally or in a vaginal cream — if the patient has already experienced menopause. This is because estrogen, which helps keep pelvic muscles strong, decreases after menopause. Your doctor is in a better position to assess your condition, weigh the benefits/risk of estrogen therapy, and to recommend the most appropriate medication for you if it is indicated. Also note that there is no consensus of estrogen therapy for cystocele.

Question: Should I take an estrogen blocker while undergoing testosterone therapy? I have been receiving testosterone therapy for about four months now in order to give my body normal levels, and I was wondering if I should start taking estrogen blockers to (theoretically) avoid the potential side effect of gynecomastia. Any advice/suggestions? Thanks.

Answer: Testosterone doesn't start to turn into estrogen unless you are taking way way too much. Get your doctor to give you bloodworks for estrogen levels as well as testosterone if you are worried.

Question: Can estrogen hormone therapy be used to treat agression? In both males and females. I was just thinking.

Answer: Hmm .. good question, I was put on testosterone therapy for endometriosis and it caused aggression, big time. It even started making me look more masculine, it was a bummer. Maybe you are on to something there. I would be afraid of the harmone therapy for men because it would likely cause feminization physically as well. Then you would have an angry, emotional guy with erectile dysfunction and sore breasts..

Question: Is there a nonprescription estrogen replacement therapy that does not have appetite inducing properties? I have been on estradiol valerate (plant-based estrogen) injections for nearly a year. It increased my overall sense of well-being, but ... it has 'an appetite inducing property'. Since I am disabled and on a narcotic, I have a lot of problems w/ digestion/elimination, cannot exercise, and cannot endure the weight gain.

Answer: I would suggest Menopause Balance Complex. This is a natural supplement with no negative side effects. This complex uses compounds found in plants - called phytoestrogens - to ease mood swings, sleeplessness, and hot flashes associated with menopause. Provides soy isoflavones and flaxseed lignans, phytoestrogens currently being studies for heart, bone, and breast health. In as few as 30 day or less, these natural herbs - centuries old, but now clinically studied - help relieve the common systems of menopause. A friend of mine will not be without the Menopause Balance Complex and it has not affected her appetite at all. Also, I would suggest all natural Optiflora (Two-Product System with Prebiotic & Probiotic) for your digestion/elimination problems. Taken regularly, it helps maintain a healthy colon and digestive system. This advanced two-product system uses new technology to protect beneficial microflora during the rigors of shipping, storage, and the acidic journey through your stomach. Other products claim live microflora at the time of manufacture. This product guarantees the delivery of live microflora to your colon. I regularly use this product. For more info or questions, please feel free to contact me. Best Wishes

Question: I started Testosterone Replacement Therapy- should my doctor have given me an estrogen blocker? I've been reading up on bi-weekly testosterone injections and they seem to eventually begin turning into estrogen, is my doctor incompetent or is it not unusual that he would start me out with only testosterone?

Answer: Some people do need estrogen blockers and some do not. Usually it is people who take massive doses to help them build muscles that need them. This is because if you have "excess t-levels" then your body will try to convert that excess into estradiol (estrogen equivalent). If you doctor is simply trying to bring your t-levels up to normal then you should have no need for the blocker.

Question: Does hormone therapy work for estrogen cancer? For Breast Cancer.

Answer: Actually, there is a form of breast cancer that can have both estrogen and progesterone receptors. When a tumor is strong in these hormones, a patient is put on hormone therapy, where a drug such as Tamoxifen or Arimidex blocks the hormone and therefore stops the cancer from growing. In post-menopausal breast cancer, a woman's ovaries have already stopped functioning. In pre-menopausal cancer, a woman may consider having her ovaries removed or stopped by another drug such as Lupron. And Yes, It is very effective treatment. That is why women with breast cancer are surviving longer than ever. Hope this helps.

Question: Should a 65-year old woman with a family history of breast cancer continue estrogen replacement therapy?

Answer: It depends on family members that have/had breast cancer. If it was a close relative, then you shouldn't take HRT (hormone replacement therapy). It is best to check with your physician.

Question: what harm can to much estrogen therapy cause?

Answer: Anything en excess can be harmful, but too much estrogen can increase your risk of cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.