Still Confused About Estrogen?

Lots and lots of studies are being conducted on the different types of menopausal hormone therapy. The sheer amount of information can be overwhelming and at times appear contradictory. Sorting through the information is important in the decision making process when choosing to use hormone therapy.

We've done some of the work for you and included the information below for your review and consideration.

Today there are two main rules to keep in mind when taking any hormone therapy.

• Lowest dose
• Shortest amount of time

You not only have to decide when to use hormone therapy, but you also need to decide how you're going to going to take it.

• Oral
• Topical (transdermal)

What the experts think about hormone therapy...
Although oral estrogen therapy (ET) remains the most widely used formula in North America, evidence suggests oral delivery may lead to some undesirable side effects from being absorbed through the liver.

The transdermal (topical) route has a long history of use in Europe. In fact approximately 70% of estrogen therapy is given as transdermal treatment.

The estrogen is absorbed directly through the skin into the bloodstream without passing through the liver. Thus transdermal estrogen compared to oral estrogen has shown to have a lower risk of causing blood clots and cardiovascular complications.

Transdermal estrogen therapy is available in several forms, including, patches, gels, lotions, sprays, creams, and more.

Related Study Results:

Kopper NW, Gudeman J, Thompson DJ., Transdermal hormone therapy in postmenopausal women: A review of metabolic effects and drug delivery technologies. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2009 Feb 6;2:193-202.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19920906

Carroll N. A review of transdermal nonpatch estrogen therapy for the management of menopausal symptoms. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2010 Jan;19(1):47-55.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20088658

Buster JE. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2010 Apr 28. [Epub ahead of print]
Transdermal menopausal hormone therapy: delivery through skin changes the rules. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women and Infants Hospital.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20426703

Know More.
Estrogen is the gold standard for treating menopause related symptoms. Some estrogen products are also approved for treatment of vaginal dryness and symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy (degeneration). As with any estrogen preparation, it should be used with a progestogen in all women with a uterus.

The decision to use hormone therapy is a very personal, individualized one where all the risks and benefits should be weighed with the assistance of your healthcare professional. We've provided a few links below that include additional information related to hormone therapy. The more you know the more you can discuss with your doctor!

1. Learn more about Hormone Therapy by visiting the MenopauseRx Health Center.

2. Read the MenopauseRx Hysterectomy Guide

3. Order a MenopauseRx Survival Kit and receive "The Journey Ahead" DVD free when you answer yes to question #3.
(for women who will be or have recently had a hysterectomy. 'The Journey Ahead' DVD kit includes information and support from diagnosis to recovery)