The Benefits of Taking Estrogen

Hormones are essential chemicals found in both humans and animals. They are known as the body's chemical messengers as they carry information and instructions from one cell group to another. In our human bodies, hormones play a part in almost every organ, cell and function such as regulating our growth, metabolism, tissue function, even the way the body uses food. Estrogen is one of these hormones. Widely referred to as a female hormone, it is found in both men and women; however its significance in men's health has not been determined. Certain conditions affecting women require the use of estrogen therapy to ease symptoms. Learn more about the benefits that taking estrogen can play in easing symptoms related to women's health.

Definition

• Estrogen is a hormone that is vital to the reproductive, bone, heart, liver and brain health of women. The hormone is produced within fat tissue, adrenal glands, and in the ovaries. Estrogen is grouped in a class of related hormones that include estradol, estrone and estriol.

Effects on Puberty

• Typically a female begins her menstrual cycle and begins to fully develop her reproductive organs around the ages of 12 and 13. If a female has not begun her period by the age of 16 medical attention is needed. One treatment for the delayed onset of puberty in females is estrogen therapy. Estrogen is critical in the development and growth of female reproductive organs such as the ovaries, uterus and breasts. Estrogen helps the menstrual cycle via its role during the ovulation process when estrogen is released from the egg follicle in the ovaries causing the uterine lining to thicken resulting in menstruation.

Vaginal Atrophy and Female Hypogonadism

• Estrogen therapy is highly beneficial for females experiencing vaginal atrophy and hypogonadism. Vaginal atrophy is a serious condition that occurs when low estrogen levels cause the vagina to narrow, lose flexibility, and the ability to lubricate. Replenishing the estrogen levels will help to reverse the effects of this condition in women. Hypogonadism is the result of the ovaries producing little or no hormones, having premature ovarian failure, lower sex drive, vaginal dryness and breast atrophy. As with vaginal atrophy, estrogen therapy is prescribed to improve this condition and help restore reproductive health.

Menopause

• The symptoms of menopause vary from woman to woman. Most of the common symptoms such as mood swings, hot and cold flashes can be treated with estrogen. Just as when the estrogen levels drop during menstruation causing mood swings, declining estrogen levels as a result of menopause have the same effect. Taking supplemental estrogen during menopause is beneficial in regulating a woman's temperament and body temperature.

Considerations

• Estrogen therapy is primarily beneficial as it relates to overall female reproductive health. Estrogen therapy is not meant for the treatment of chronic disease in women. In fact, prolonged use of estrogen therapy has been linked to increased risk in breast and ovarian cancer by the National Cancer Institute. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration now advises doctors to limit the amount and the length of time estrogen therapy is used to treat menopausal symptoms. Only take estrogen supplements that are prescribed by your doctor, as only your physician can determine the safest dosage for you.