What Are the Benefits of Taking Estrogen?

Estrogen is a naturally occurring female hormone. 

There are 3 types of naturally occurring estrogens:

• Estradiol (E2) is largely produced by theca and granulosa cells of the ovary. 
  • It is the most prevalent type of estrogen found in women before menopause.
• Estrone (E1) is produced from estradiol in a reversible reaction and is also a product of the secondary conversion of androstenedione secreted by the adrenal cortex. 
  • This is the main form of estrogen in a woman’s body after menopause. 
• Estriol (E3) is the estrogen the placenta secretes during pregnancy.
  • Estriol is a secondary metabolite of estradiol and estrone. 
  • This form of estrogen is not secreted by the ovaries.

Estrogen therapy, with or without a progestogen (progesterone and progestin), is a type of hormone replacement therapy prescribed to replace estrogen the body is no longer making.

Estrogen therapy is used to treat:

• Vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause
  • Hot flashes
    • Studies have shown oral, transdermal, or vaginal hormone therapy reduce the severity of hot flashes by 65-90%
  • Night sweats
  • Sleep disturbances
• Osteoporosis 
  • Prevent bone loss
  • Reduce the risk of fractures 
• Genitourinary symptoms 
  • Vulvar burning or itching
  • Vaginal dryness or discharge
  • Vulvovaginal atrophy 
  • Painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) or post-coital spotting 
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Pain or discomfort when urinating
  • Urinary frequency or urgency
• Estrogen deficiency caused by hypogonadism
• Premature surgical menopause 
• Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)

Estrogen therapy is available in several forms:

• Oral
• Transdermal (applied to the skin)
  • Patches
  • Gels
  • Sprays
  • Lotions/creams
• Injectable
• Vaginal 
  • Suppositories
  • Creams
  • Rings

The benefits of estrogen therapy include:

• Better sleep
• Maintenance of skin thickness, elasticity, and collagen
• Decreased risk of developing cataracts or open-angle glaucoma
• Improved balance and retention of balance
• Better maintenance of joint health
• May reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and type II diabetes

The risks of estrogen therapy include:

• Dry eyes
• Hearing loss
• Changes in sense of smell
• Cholelithiasis, cholecystitis