Benefits of Estrogen Therapy: How Can You Benefit?
Estrogen is a necessary hormone for all individuals. It is not just a “female” hormone. As with many other hormones, estrogen levels also decline with age. When you understand the role of estrogen in the body, the benefits of estrogen therapy become clear.
One crucial fact to remember is that all hormones have what is considered their “normal range.” Hormone levels that go higher or lower than their ideal range may cause a person to exhibit symptoms out of the ordinary.
It is the body’s hormone’s that pass on the signals controlling all physiological functions. Many hormones even influence the production and release of others, as is the case with testosterone conversion into estrogen.
What are the benefits of estrogen replacement and who needs it?
The benefits can be as individualized as the person requiring estrogen therapy. For example:
- A woman in menopause whose only symptoms are vaginal wall dryness and thinning will benefit from vaginally inserted estrogen. Suppositories, vaginal cream and estrogen rings provide benefits only for urinary and vaginal issues.
- Topical estrogen creams and gels have a more widespread use. They treat menopausal hot flashes, mental fog, night sweats, and other symptoms.
There is more to estrogen therapy benefits than just dealing with the symptoms of menopause.
Benefits of Estrogen Therapy for Women
When a woman first begins to think about estrogen therapy, it is often in response to bothersome hot flashes. Everyone knows of at least one person who always seemed to have a portable fan handy.
When menopause descends, the ovaries begin to slow down production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Since all three of these hormones send signals to the brain, it is no wonder that brain fog and poor memory appear.
What are the benefits of estrogen replacement therapy for women?
The ideal goal of hormone replacement is to put not only estrogen but also progesterone and testosterone back into balance. As a result, a woman may experience the following benefits of estrogen therapy:
- Reduction or cessation of hot flashes and night sweats
- Improved sleep
- Better skin tone
- Stronger bones
- Sharper brain functions and memory
- Enhanced sex drive
- Increased sexual pleasure
- Better vaginal lubrication
- Reduced urinary incontinence
- Reversal of mood swings and depression
- Improved metabolism
- More energy
Benefits of Estrogen Therapy for Men
Just as a woman needs a certain amount of testosterone, a man also requires estrogen. Different hormones have a way of balancing each other, and that is what estrogen does for testosterone.
What are the benefits of estrogen therapy for men?
While testosterone is the more prevalent hormone in males, estrogen also provides certain crucial benefits, such as:
- Maintaining bone mineral density
- Promoting healthy cognitive functions
- Protecting the inner lining of the arterial walls (endothelium)
- Enhancing metabolism
Many people associate osteoporosis with women, but men are also at risk. A shortage of estrogen can lead to potentially debilitating bone fractures in later years. Estradiol, the primary type of estrogen, is essential for maintaining strong bones. A man deficient in estradiol has a three times greater risk of dangerous hip fractures as he ages.
How do I know if I can benefit from estrogen therapy?
To know if the benefits of estrogen therapy are something you need, a hormone specialist will run diagnostic blood tests. The lab results will show if any hormone levels are out of balance and require treatment.
It is just as essential to maintain a healthy supply of estrogen as it is to protect against too much. Since the male body gets its estrogen direct from testosterone, high estradiol levels could mean lower testosterone. We must also ensure that the enzyme aromatase produced by belly fat does not convert too much testosterone into estradiol. If that occurs, a male may find himself gaining weight and at an increased risk of strokes and heart failure.
Health Benefits of Estrogen Therapy
It is often easy to overlook the health benefits of estrogen therapy. We have already discussed the importance of estrogen maintenance for strong bones and preventing bone loss. But that is not all estrogen does for the body.
Estrogen helps to regulate the production of cholesterol in the liver. Cholesterol is the basis for the production of many other hormones. It also helps to protect the heart and the arteries. Of course, too much LDL cholesterol building up in the arteries can cause plaque. Estrogen helps to increase HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. That is why maintaining hormonal balance is always essential.
Estrogen also helps promote blood flow by relaxing dilated blood vessels.
Additional estrogen replacement therapy benefits include regulating body temperature and supporting mood and brain functions.
HT Medical Center is here to answer all your questions about estrogen and other forms of hormone therapy. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options.
What Is the Cost of Estrogen Therapy? Estrogen therapy costs are as varied as the many available types of treatment. Some of the variables in the cost of estrogen therapy include the purpose of treatment and prescribed dosage. Insurance is another factor in determining the cost of hormone treatment. A woman with insurance may pay […]
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