Estrogen Therapy Used Primarily to Reduce Menopausal Symptoms

As women age and go through menopause (the end of monthly menstrual periods), their bodies slow production of the hormone estrogen which can result in major changes to the body. For this reason, estrogen hormone therapy, the replacement of lost estrogen, is often used to combat these symptoms. For women experiencing menopause, estrogen supplements are used to reduce "hot flashes," which are intense feelings of heat that come on suddenly and without provocation. Estrogen can also be used to help prevent osteoporosis in menopausal women. Finally, certain brands of estrogen can be used in lessening the symptoms of some kinds of breast and prostate cancer. Because estrogen therapy does have some risks associated with it, including increased risk for some types of cancer, women on estrogen should work closely with their doctor while taking it.