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Side Effects of Female Hormones

Hormone-replacement therapy can be highly beneficial for women after natural menopause or sudden menopause resulting from a hysterectomy. The two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, can improve many health conditions, though sometimes they can also cause undesirable side effects. It is important to understand both their upside and downside and consult with your doctor before taking female hormones.

  1. About Estrogen

    • Although estrogen is known as a female hormone, both female and male bodies can produce it. The role of estrogen in women, however, is much more significant than in men. Women need estrogen to regulate menstrual cycles, stimulate formation of female physical characteristics during puberty, maintain vaginal lubrication, promote lung function, maintain skin radiance, protect the bones and promote better sleep. Estrogen products are available in both synthetic and bio-identical (natural) forms. Some widely-used delivery methods include injection, oral pills, skin patches, skin gels and vaginal suppositories.

    Types of Estrogen

    • Three types of estrogen are produced in the blood: estradiol, estriol and estrone. Estradiol is the most prevalent type and is involved in almost every system in the human body including bone, skin, brain and sexual health. Estriol mostly affects skin elasticity and vaginal tissue. Estrone, the least abundant of the three, acts as a reservoir that can be converted into estradiol if needed.

    Side Effects of Estrogen

    • Estrogen pills may trigger certain reactions in the liver, leading to an increase of triglycerides and other dangerous substances that can clog the blood vessels. Estrogen patches can be allergenic for the skin and cause redness, rashes and irritation. A long-term use of estrogen may lead to a higher risk of breast cancer, due to its tendency to promote the formation of certain estrogen-responsive tumors. In addition, according to University of Pittsburgh researchers, estrogen may stimulate the growth of lung cancer as well. As for men who take estrogen to treat prostate cancer, the hormone might cause an increased risk of heart attack and thrombosis in the lungs. Other common side effects of estrogen include breast tenderness, nausea, abdominal cramps, dizziness, vaginal bleeding and mild diarrhea.

    About Progesterone

    • Unlike estrogen that the body manufactures every day, progesterone is produced only during the second half of a female's menstrual cycle. Also known as "hormone of pregnancy," it plays an important role in female reproductive system and the development of the fetus. Other functions of progesterone include regulating the immune response, reducing anxiety, promoting appetite and maintaining a healthy digestive tract. Progesterone products are available in both synthetic and bio-identical forms. Some common delivery methods of progesterone are oral pills or capsules, lozenges, skin patches, creams and gels.

    Side Effects of Progesterone

    • The common side effects of progesterone include bloating, weight gain, breast tenderness, muscle pain, stomach cramps, mood changes and headaches. However, some progesterone takers may experience more severe side effects such as seizures, numbness in the arms or legs, chest pain, speech problems, blurred vision and hives.

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