Hormones and Your Body: Here are the facts, now you decide
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Estrogen production can begin decreasing as early as mid to late 30’s, and one of the earliest signs can be shortened menstrual cycles (interval between periods).
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Reduced estrogen levels are one of the factors which can affect vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes), weight gain, emotional changes, mood, energy, sleep, and libido.
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Prior to menopause, healthy women with symptomatic reduction in estrogen can safely use low dose birth control pills without concern of increased breast cancer.
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The average age of the women studied in The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) was 63-years-old. This did not lend any relevant information for women in early menopause. In the past 10 years, numerous studies, including a follow up on the WHI study, have shown that women on hormone replacement in early menopause (ages 50-59) reduced morbidity (health issues), reduced mortality, and heart disease without causing any increase in breast cancer. In fact, women on estrogen alone, although not statistically significant, had a reduction in the incidence of breast cancer.
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Hormones formulated by pharmacies in gels, pellets, and injections and marketed as Bioidentical are not standardized and not supervised by the FDA. No studies are available to show predictable levels can be achieved with their use. In fact, many women will present with inadequate treatment or potentially harmful overdosing. They are rejected by recognized organizations including the FDA, American College of Ob-Gyn, and the North America Menopause Society.
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There are doctor prescribed, predictable, standardized Bioidentical Hormone products available. There is absolutely no need to be subjected to formulated products.
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Estrogen is vital to the health of the vagina. Over time, the absence of estrogen exposure to the vagina can lead to dryness and reduced elasticity resulting in painful coitus. In addition, the lack of estrogen can result in vaginal discharge, frequency of urination, and nocturia (awakening at night needing to urinate).
Take home message: Low estrogen levels, amongst other things, can compromise quality of life. There is now strong evidence of the benefits of hormonal supplementation or replacement in early menopause.
