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Estrogen Hormone Side Effects

Synthetic estrogen is used in birth control patches, implants and rings as well as in hormone replacement therapy. Women who have had a hysterectomy or are near menopause may have health benefits from estrogen replacement including reduced menopause symptoms and a lower risk of certain cancers. However, the use of estrogen is not appropriate for all women as it may increase the risk of blood clots and stroke, especially in women who smoke.

  1. Lower Cholesterol

    • Estrogen in hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills can increase HDL (good cholesterol) and lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.

    Prevent Osteoporosis

    • Osteoporosis, which is a loss of bone mass and density, can be reduced or prevented in menopausal women by taking estrogen hormone replacement therapy.

    Colon Cancer

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, a positive side effect of estrogen use in postmenopausal women is a lower risk of developing colon cancer.

    Reduce Menopause Symptoms

    • Estrogen taken as a pill, transdermal (skin) patch or vaginal cream can reduce the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

    Stroke

    • Side effects of estrogen in postmenopausal women include a higher risk of stroke from blood clots in the brain.

    Blood Clots

    • Estrogen may increase the risk of having a blood clot in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), which may be further increased in women who are smokers.

    Breast Cancer

    • Women who take estrogen before reaching menopause may increase their risk of developing breast cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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