What do estrogen supplements do

Some types of hormone therapy can also increase the risk of a stroke, blood clots, and uterine and breast cancer. A doctor can advise a person on whether estrogen therapy is suitable for them. In addition to menopause, estrogen therapy can also help resolve :. High levels of estrogen can increase the risk and progression of some types of breast cancer. Some hormone treatments block the action of estrogen as a way of slowing or stopping cancer development.

Hormonal therapy is not for everyone. A family history of breast cancer or thyroid issues may contradict using hormones. People who are unsure can speak to a doctor.

A doctor can prescribe estrogen as part of the therapy for a person assigned male at birth who wishes to transition to female. The person may also need anti-androgenic treatment. Estrogen can help a person develop female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breasts, and reduce male pattern hair formation. Estrogen therapy will be part of a broader treatment approach.

A healthcare professional can advise the individual on the best course of treatment. Some types prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, and they do this by ensuring that hormone levels do not fluctuate throughout the month. Other uses include decreasing premenstrual symptoms and reducing the severity of hormone-related acne. Oral birth control presents more risk for women who smoke or are over the age of 35 years.

Long-term use may also lead to a higher risk of breast cancer. Some studies suggest that these may affect levels of estrogen in the body. However, there is not enough evidence to confirm this. Some people believe that foods containing phytoestrogens can help manage hot flashes and other effects of menopause, but this does not have scientific backing. In addition, eating whole soy foods, for example, is unlikely to have the same effect as taking extracts from soy as a supplement.

To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You should have a complete physical exam, including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic exams, and a Pap test at least yearly.

Follow your doctor's directions for examining your breasts; report any lumps immediately. If you are taking hormone replacement therapy to treat symptoms of menopause, your doctor will check every 3 to 6 months to see if you still need this medication.

If you are taking this medication to prevent thinning of the bones osteoporosis , you will take it for a longer period of time. Before you have any laboratory tests, tell the laboratory personnel that you take hormone replacement therapy, because this medication may interfere with some laboratory tests.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Estrogen and Progestin Hormone Replacement Therapy pronounced as ess' troe jen pro jes' tin. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?

What side effects can this medication cause? Women should discuss with their healthcare providers the value of taking combined progesterone and estrogen replacement therapy or estrogen to prevent osteoporosis.

There may be alternative treatments based on a woman's health profile. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Hormone replacement therapy update To learn more about women's health, and specifically hormone replacement therapy, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health NIH started a large study in The FDA states that hormone therapy should not be taken to prevent heart disease.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers the following suggestions for women who are deciding whether or not to use postmenopausal hormone therapy: The most important thing a woman can do in deciding to continue hormone replacement therapy is discuss the current research with her healthcare provider and health care team.

Hormone Replacement Therapy. Until about 20 years ago, physicians routinely prescribed the hormones estrogen and progestin for women after menopause, when levels of both of these hormones decline.

This seemed like a logical treatment, and the hope was that it would slow down bone loss osteoporosis , reduce the risk of heart disease, and treat other age-related problems. Estrogen also has the benefit of increasing sexual desire for women. Although the initial results did show benefits for osteoporosis, the main finding, trumpeted loudly at the time by NIH and in various press releases, was that the combination therapy both hormones increased the risk of breast cancer.

Although women using combined hormone therapy had a lower risk of fractures and colorectal cancer, these benefits did not outweigh the risks.

Not surprisingly, the use of hormone replacement therapy plummeted after that, and has remained low since.