Side Effects of Estrogen Replacement Therapy
A discussion about the potential side effects of estrogen replacement therapy will provide the greatest insight if both the risk factors/dangers and side effects are presented. These are two entirely different areas, but are equally important to understand.
Here is a list of the most likely estrogen hormone replacement therapy side effects that could occur from treatment:
- Breast tenderness
- Weight gain
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the ankles and legs
- Bloating
- Abdominal cramps
- Water retention
- Nausea, vomiting
Less likely, but also possible estrogen replacement therapy side effects include:
- Changes in sexual desire
- Hair loss
- Dizzy feeling
- Menstrual flow or pain changes
- Diarrhea
- Uterine fibroids
- Candida, vaginal infections
- Dry eyes
- Depression
- Sensitive or bleeding gums
- Skin color changes, jaundice
- Rash
The following estrogen therapy side effects are rare and require immediate contact of the prescribing physician:
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest pains
- Slurred speech
- Vision changes
- Leg pains
- Sudden urination
Aside from the side effects of estrogen therapy listed above, there are also some potential dangers that make this treatment risky for some women, including:
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Liver tumors
- Glucose intolerance
- High blood pressure
- Gallbladder disease
The next section will discuss who should find other methods of hormone replacement.
Who Should Not Use Estrogen Replacement Therapy
Estrogen hormone replacement is not for everyone. There can be potentially life threatening side effects. Estrogen therapy should not be utilized by women who previously have had or have been found to be at an increased risk for the following medical conditions:
- Breast cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Liver tumor or cancer
- Smokers
In order to reduce the risk of estrogen hormone replacement therapy side effects, women in the above categories may want to ask a hormone replacement specialist about the possibility of receiving testosterone cream to offset and reverse the undesirable symptoms of menopause. This is a safer form of hormone treatment that can provide considerable benefits for women dealing with menopausal symptoms.
How to Avoid Estrogen Side Effects
The obvious way to avoid the side effects of estrogen replacement therapy is to steer clear of this treatment. Unfortunately, some women have such debilitating symptoms from menopause that they may feel there is no other choice than to turn to medical intervention.
Unless a woman falls into one of the categories mentioned in the last section, it is possible to minimize the estrogen replacement therapy side effects through careful supervision of treatment by the prescribing doctor.
It is vital to report all past and current medical conditions to the doctor before any type of hormone replacement is prescribed and used. Some medications can be contraindicated with HRT, and all current pharmaceutical and herbal/vitamin products should also be discussed.
Countless women have been able to avoid estrogen therapy side effects by following the guidelines set forth by their doctors, and using this form of HRT for the shortest possible period of time.
For further information about estrogen and other forms of hormone replacement for menopause, contact the medical professionals at Kingsberg Medical for a free consultation. Affordable options for diagnostic testing and treatment are available to women throughout the US. HRT options are also offered to men over the age of thirty. Call for more information.
Brian Leeber
