Maintaining Health Throughout the Decades with Estrogen Management…
Dr. Siobhan Newman explains the benefits of estrogen optimization in women. She shares her 25 years of Emergency Department experience where she has managed acute patient care, often treating end-stage chronic disease which she believes are entirely manageable and often preventable.
In this article:
- Why is Estrogen important after menopause?
- How do men get Estrogen, and do they need it?
- How does Estrogen benefit women and men?
My medical education concerning bioidentical estrogen therapy was heightened by my own progression through menopause as a busy emergency room physician and through years of direct patient encounters with postmenopausal women. After many years performing successfully as a high-energy emergency room physician, wife and mother of 3 children, I suddenly noticed that I became easily fatigued, mentally fogged, and was rapidly gaining weight. I could no longer manage my life. As a former collegiate athlete, I tried to eat better and exercise more but it was clearly not enough. These symptoms of menopause, that curtail many women, suddenly make it impossible for women to function. In addition to these daily struggles, the risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and dementia increase dramatically. It became obvious there is a direct correlation between the decline in estrogen hormone production and the worsening medical conditions found with aging in women.
Patients experiencing menopause have a terrible time with hot flashes, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, anxiety and depression, insomnia, and decreased cognitive abilities. They are unable to perform daily functions for work and home. By prescribing bioidentical estrogen, many patients will observe immediate and long-term beneficial changes to their health with prevention and often the reversal of their chronic diseases.
Estrogen, also known as Estradiol, is a hormone produced primarily by the ovaries, but also by the adrenal glands. Estrogen is released into the bloodstream, travels throughout the body and attaches to receptors on multiple cells and organs. The level of Estrogen peaks during puberty, is released cyclically during menstruation, and completely stops being produced at menopause.
Estrogen replacement is generally for women only, but it’s also for men. Men gain this important hormone through Testosterone which eventually converts to Estrogen, which leads to great benefits to their hearts, brains, bones, and overall health.
Estrogen Protects our Bodies Against:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Osteoporosis
- Alzheimer’s
- Memory disorders
- Vaginal atrophy
- Urinary incontinence/infections
- Hot flashes
- Colon Cancer
- Macular degeneration
- Cataracts
Estrogen Improves Our:
- Balance to prevent falls and fractures
- Cerebral function and ability to think, concentrate, and perform mental tasks
- Vascular function and circulation
Deficiency in Estrogen Levels as We Age Leads to:
- Urogenital atrophy
- Incontinence
- Sagging skin
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Decreased libido
Estrogen is made up of several subtypes. This leads to another discussion on Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), and Estriol (E3). Which one do we replace and why?
Menopause is defined as:
- 12 months of no menstruation
- FSH >50, LH>30
Perimenopause:
Perimenopause is the time prior to menopause and is often accompanied by irregular menstruation, hot flashes, anxiety, and insomnia. During this time, Estrogen levels vary greatly day to day, and replacing it during this period may worsen symptoms. Alternatively, it’s more beneficial to treat perimenopausal women with Progesterone only.
Side Effects of too much Estrogen:
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding
- Bloating
- Irritability
- Break out
Maybe it’s time to Rethink Aging with bioidentical estrogen hormone replacement therapy to preserve your natural self.
Did you know that the only treatment that’s shown to improve osteoporosis and decrease bone loss is estrogen replacement?
References
Hargrove J, Maxson W, Wentz A, Burnett L. 1989. Menopausal hormone replacement therapy with continuous daily oral micronized estradiol and progesterone. Obstet Gynecol, Apr;73(4):606-12
Boothby L, Doering P, Kipersztok S. 2004. Bioidentical hormone therapy: a review. Menopause. May-Jun 11(3):356-67
Shoupe D. 1999. Hormone replacement therapy: reassessing the risks and benefits. Hosp Practice. 8/15/99, 34(8): 97-114
Mayeaux E, Johnson C. 1996. Current concepts in postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. The Journal of Family Practice. Jul; 43(1): 69-75
