Estrogen is a hormone produced by women for their sexual and reproductive development. It is referred to as a female sex hormone and is one of two important sex hormones women have in their bodies. Estrogen production begins to wane when a woman reaches the age of 40, and there is a great reduction of estrogen production after menopause.
It may be a natural part of aging, but decreased levels of estrogen can have severe effects on a woman. Symptoms can range from skin and vaginal dryness, excessive sweating, mood swings, and memory problems to loss of bone density (which leads to osteoporosis) and a rise in cholesterol levels. These symptoms are not just uncomfortable but can affect a woman’s overall health. To treat estrogen deficiency, doctors often recommend estrogen replacement therapy.
Let’s talk about the benefits of estrogen replacement.
Improved Blood Circulation
Healthy estrogen levels can relax and dilate blood vessels, which improves blood circulation. Better blood circulation benefits the skin and improves elasticity. The improvement in skin elasticity also extends to the vaginal region and can help prevent the atrophy of soft tissues in the vagina.
Better Cholesterol and Glucose Regulation
Estrogen hormones help regulate cholesterol levels (keeping the LDL low and HDL higher) as well as blood glucose levels. Women with coronary heart disease or at high-risk of the disease stand to benefit greatly from estrogen replacement therapy. Moreover, estrogen also decreases insulin resistance, which can help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Prevent Osteoporosis
A decrease in estrogen levels can cause a decrease in bone density. This is why women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Estrogen replacement therapy helps promote the activity of osteoblasts — the cells needed to produce new bone mass.
Decrease Colon Cancer Risk
Estrogen replacement therapy may help prevent women from getting colon cancer. There is an approximately 20 percent reduction of colon cancer risk in women who undergo estrogen replacement therapy, owing to estrogen’s ability to decrease the production of bile acids, which can help prevent colon cancer.
Decrease Alzheimer’s Risk
Estrogen replacement therapy also helps prevent cognitive decline in women and can decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s. Women who receive estrogen therapy sooner stand to benefit more from the treatment, therefore, it is best to discuss it with your doctor early on.
Estrogen Replacement Therapy in Denton and Frisco, Texas
If you are interested in estrogen replacement therapy to manage symptoms of menopause, our team of health care specialists welcomes you to DFW Anti-Aging and Wellness Centers. For patients experiencing life-altering symptoms brought on by a decrease in estrogen levels, we offer bioidentical hormone therapy.
It is important to us that the benefits outweigh the risks when it comes to recommending treatment, so we will thoroughly discuss your health and goals before recommending any treatment. Moreover, we take a holistic approach and create a comprehensive plan to improve your quality of life.
To find out if you are a good candidate for bioidentical hormone therapy, call DFW Anti-Aging and Wellness Centers at (469) 389-5251 to schedule a consultation or request an appointment now.