HOT FLASHES
Q: My daughter is getting tired of hearing about my hot flashes. What are the risks and benefits of estrogen?
A: Estrogen is used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and sleep problems. It replaces the hormones that drop at menopause. Hormones come in a pill, patch, gel, spray, or a vaginal ring. Most women get relief from symptoms within weeks of starting estrogen. Estrogen has some risk. Most doctors suggest that women only take it for as short a time as possible. If you are on it for very long, the risk of heart disease, breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke may be connected to long term usage. If you decide that the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks, then you should schedule some time to talk to your health care provider. Ask your doctor to prescribe the lowest dose that works, for the shortest amount of time possible. Estrogen has good side effects, too. It may lower the chance of colon cancer, help thinning bones, and decrease vaginal dryness. It also protects against some dental problems, such as tooth loss and gingivitis- to say nothing about improved relations with your daughter. You shouldn’t take it if you have a history of cancer, pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack, or liver disease. Some ladies get some relief with exercises, antidepressants, black kohosh and changing diet, as well.
Dr. Rick Casey
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