ESTROGEN MATTERS
Why Taking Hormones in Menopause Can Improve Women’s Well-Being and Lengthen Their Lives – Without Raising the risk of Breast cancer.
How exciting to finally have a book written by an oncologist AVRUM BLUMING MD and CAROL TAVRIS PHD on the relationship of estrogen and cancer.
This book is a must read for all women 35 years old and above.
A quick recap:
The list of symptom associated with perimenopause (the time before cessation of menses usually starting at age 40-55 however i have seen it even earlier) and menopause (once menses cease.):
weight gain, depression, heart palpitations, thinning hair, memory issues, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, insomnia and difficulty sleeping, night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, headaches, frequent urination, frequent bladder or urinary tract infections, achey joints, and bloating.
Estradiol is a very important hormone in the treatment of symptoms. However, more importantly it has been shown in studies that women who begin taking estradiol within 10 years of menopause have an decreased risk for heart disease, bone loss an cognitive decline.
The book states that studies show that if a woman starts estradiol 10 years after menopause, there may be an increase risk for breast cancer. The timing of estrogen supplementation is important.
When women come in to see me, many have been prescribed any number of medications to deal with the perimenopause or menopause symptoms they are experiencing for eg. ambien for sleep, zanax for anxiety, oral birth control pills for irregular menses, prophylactic antibiotics after intercourse to prevent a UTI. My experience is that with hormone optimization ( estradiol, progesterone, thyroid, and testosterone) most if not all of the symptoms disappear. And the biggest benefit is that they are also protecting their brains, their bones, and their heart.
LIFE IS NOT MERELY LIVING , BUT LIVING IN HEALTH Marital, Epigrams
If you are experiencing less than your best healthy life call today for a consultation and evaluation. 541-383-3424