Menopause - Is ERT Right For You?

"Is estrogen replacement therapy right for me?" This question has resounded a million times among women undergoing menopause. The rigors of this event that occurs in every woman's life can be so overwhelming that nearly each one might definitely put up a plea for help. And fast!

There are many ways to deal with the symptoms of menopause but estrogen replacement therapy is considered to be one of the most effective treatments there is. The issue whether estrogen replacement therapy or ERT is the right course of treatment for dealing with the symptoms of menopause remains unclear. With all the controversy surrounding ERT, most doctors and patients alike seem to shy away from it.

There is no doubt that ERT can effectively address hot flashes and vaginal dryness as well as prevent the onset of osteoporosis. However, some studies indicated that it may likewise increase the risk of developing breast and uterus cancer. Some studies even indicated that women under ERT are more likely to suffer more from blood clotting, stroke and heart diseases. However, there are still no conclusive studies at present regarding these observations. So, the issue regarding the safety of ERT remains to be proven.

The symptoms of menopause can definitely take their toll on your physical and psychological well-being and you might need help in dealing with all these. So, how do you know if ERT is right for you?

Understanding ERT

First, you must understand that hormones are not for everyone. Clearly, ERT is contraindicated for women with cancer of the breast, ovary or uterus since it can aggravate these conditions. Neither is it advisable for women with certain health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, gallstones, gallbladder disease, large uterine fibroids and clots in the legs, pelvis and/or lungs.

How is ERT administered?

When it comes to the actual administration of the therapy, you can choose from a wide variety of available options. It can be administered via local or topical therapy using creams and patches or through the administration of systemic hormones.

Presently, however, most doctors avoid prescribing systemic hormones to their patients. They are starting to favor the use of creams and patches since it was observed that the estrogen in estrogen-only patches goes directly into the bloodstream and reduces the risks of blood clots and elevated cholesterol levels. These preparations also release hormones continuously thereby allowing them to control the symptoms more effectively.

In addition to estrogen, you might also need to be put on a progestin therapy. This is especially true for women who still have their uterus intact. Progestin pills should be taken every two to six months to minimize the chances of developing uterine cancer.

If you are planning to undergo ERT, most doctors agree that patients should be given the lowest possible dose that can effectively control the symptoms. Her doctor then reassesses the patient's condition after six weeks of treatment. If the symptoms were successfully controlled, the dosage will be further reduced but if the symptoms return, an increase in the dosage will be effected.

How long do you need to be under ERT?

Most experts agree that women should be under ERT for a period of 18 to 24 months. After this period, the patient should go off the treatment to see whether the symptoms will resurface. If the symptoms do return and you find them intolerable, you can decide whether or not to go back to the treatment.

There are various ways to counter the symptoms of menopause and ERT, no matter how effective it may be, is just one of them. It really is up to you to know what is good for you and your body in this transition period called menopause.

Related Videos
Play Video How to Spot the Symptoms of Menopause	Play Video Dr. Braverman’s Menopausal Tips	Play Video Myths of the Menopause	Play Video What Men Need to Know About the Menopause	Play Video Why Women Suffer From menopause

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Menopause" article category.

People interested in the above article "Menopause - Is ERT Right For You?" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 

Yoga and Menopause - Health Tips Revealed

After the symptoms of menopause are apparent to a woman, there are many steps she can take to help ease these symptoms. At the top of that list should be exercise - which is a great way to ensure proper blood flow, keep bones strong, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and heal the body faster. If you haven't tried yoga to help with your menopause symptoms, it's high time you started.

Weight Loss Tips for Women in Menopause

When most women reach the age of perimenopause, they are already aware of the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) changes going on in their bodies. One of the changes that occur is weight gain, especially around the middle. This is partly due to the decrease in hormones at this time, but possibly also to the diet as well. Are you stressed out, hurried, snacking on the run? Don't look now, but there might be a connection to that extra spare time around your waist.

The Seven Foods to Eat for Relief of Symptoms of Menopause

When most women first start to experience the terrible symptoms of menopause, they may right away a cure for these symptoms. These cures may include sleeping pills to get rest, changing to lighter clothes to try and keep the hot flashes at bay, and many doses of Pepto-Bismol to fix the bloating and indigestion. What about the diet, are you eating foods that will help your body to adjust to menopause? Here are some really great foods that may help in your quest to find relief.

The Critical Medical Tests Every Woman Needs to Know

We all know that in order to remain healthy we need to do certain things - eat the right foods, exercise every day, take our vitamins, and avoid bad habits such smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. How about going to the doctors for those exams every year? You know you hate it, but this one could really save your life!

Menopause and Loss of Sex Drive - Symptoms Explained

Many women approaching their fifties, which is the prime age of perimenopause, start to experience a decrease in their libido. They may ask their doctors about it or just wonder in silence "is this normal?" Whether it is normal or not, if you are not ready to give up the pleasures of a healthy sex life, read on and find out what you can do about it. You may be surprised!

Can You Diagnose the Symptoms of Menopause?

When a woman first starts to experience the symptoms of menopause, it isn't something that will be obvious right away. At least in most cases, the effect is more of a slow, insidious and painful realization that something is very wrong. Here are the real tests to find out if a women is in menopause or may have something quite different.

Sleep Disorders and Menopause - Find Relief Now

When you think of the symptoms of menopause, the first one that comes to many people minds is loss of sleep. Indeed, this is certainly one of the most common symptoms, and in some women possibly one of the most annoying and aggravating. If you are unable to sleep, it will most certainly affect every other area of your life. Here are some of the reasons behind this problem, when caused by menopause.