If you are frustrated by daily mood swings, hot flashes or night sweats, you are probably experiencing a hormone imbalance. Dr. Jack Rowland and the team at Cool Springs MD Chattanooga help women in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas of Tennessee, including the community of Cleveland, gain control of hormone-related symptoms, by treating the underlying cause.
Understanding the Function of Estrogen Replacement Therapy
While present in both men and women, estrogen is most essential to the female body, affecting it in numerous ways. Vaginal dryness, irritability, insomnia, headaches, and fatigue are triggered by estrogen deficiency. Estrogen replacement therapy helps elevate the levels and aims to alleviate the symptoms.
Estrogen therapy is delivered into the body by a variety routes. Vaginal rings, estrogen patches, gel or a skin cream allow estrogen to directly enter the bloodstream without going through the liver. Estrogen taken by mouth is processed through the liver prior to entering the blood, placing undue stress on the liver.
Low-dose topical estrogen applied vaginally, impacts only the vaginal and urinary areas.
Why Should I Use Estrogen Replacement Therapy?
Estrogen replacement therapy helps increase estrogen levels for women after a total hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries) and for postmenopausal women. Studies show that estrogen replacement therapy can help in the prevention of colon cancer, delay osteoporosis and reduce or eliminate perimenopausal symptoms.
Women who experience premature menopause due to surgery or for other reasons will typically have estrogen prescribed to lessen the chance of osteoporosis and excessive bone loss. Traditionally, many women have continued estrogen replacement therapy for many years following menopause; but an increasing number make the decision to discontinue therapy at the time of menopause.
Women who still have their ovaries and use estrogen require the hormone progesterone. The hormone is considered to be effective in the prevention of endometrial cancer and uterine cancer. Progesterone prevents estrogen from negatively affecting the lining of the uterus wall.
Do not plan on estrogen therapy if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have chronic or acute liver disease
- Have or ever had cancer
- Smoke
- Have ever had a stroke or blood clots
Dr. Rowland and the team at Cool Springs MD Chattanooga will discuss the benefits of estrogen therapy compared to the risks if you may have, based on your history.
How Effective Is Estrogen Replacement Therapy?
Estrogen therapy affects the entire body, reversing the symptoms of estrogen deficiency. Results include:
- Improved mood and better sleep
- Reduced severity and frequency of “hot flashes”.
- Maintained vaginal wall health
- Slowed bone loss and increased bone density, which help prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis
- Improved dental health
Benefits of Low-Dosage Estrogen
Ongoing research continues to study the impact of estrogen administered in low doses. The treatment may reduce the occurrence of hot flashes and help to maintain density and strength of bones. The long-term effects of low-dose estrogen therapy are still being studied.
Administered incorrectly, estrogen therapy may worsen the very symptoms you are trying to eliminate. Dr. Jack Rowland is a specialist who understands how to effectively treat the cause of, rather than mask, your symptoms. If you are a woman from Chattanooga or the surrounding areas of Tennessee, including Cleveland, and are in need of estrogen replacement therapy, contact our office today at 423-401-8034 to schedule your personal consultation.
