Health Information
Estrogen Therapy (ET)
How Well It Works
Systemic estrogen therapy (ET) affects your entire body and reverses the effect of low estrogen. Systemic ET may:
- Reduce the frequency and severity of Reference hot flashes Opens New Window.Reference 1
- Improve moodiness and sleep problems related to hormone changes.Reference 2
- Maintain the lining of the vagina, reducing irritation.
- Increase skin Reference collagen Opens New Window levels, which decline as estrogen levels decline. Collagen is responsible for the stretch in skin and muscle.
- Help prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis by slowing bone loss and promoting some increase in bone density.Reference 1
- Reduce the risk of dental problems, such as tooth loss and gum disease.
Low-dose estrogen. Researchers are studying the effects of low-dose estrogen therapy. Low-dose estrogen may keep bones strong and may relieve hot flash symptoms.Reference 3 But the long-term risks of taking low-dose estrogen are not yet known.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: August 8, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine |
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