Last week I was asked about oestrogen creams and what they are used for and if they work.
Before we look at oestrogen creams lets examine what oestrogen is and how levels change through out the female life cycle.
Oestrogen is a steroid hormone made from cholesterol in the ovary in peri-menopausal women and in postmenopausal women it is produced in the peripheral tissue.
The tests used to measure oestrogen levels in women test for 3 main oestrogens they are:
Oestrone, also called E1 this is usually the most common post menopause.
Oestradiol, also called E2, is the main female hormone made by non-pregnant women.
Oestriol, also called E3 is a hormone that increases during pregnancy.
At 12 months infant girls blood oestradiol levels are between 6.5-15.1 ( Pediatr Dermatol. 2007 Jul-Aug;24(4):373-5. )
An female adults estrogen is 30-400 pg/ml
A pregnant women's is between 5,500- 30,000 pg/ml
A post menopausal women's is <30 pg/ml
As you can see a women starts life with a low oestrogen level and as she goes into her reproductive years her oestrogen increases as it prepares her body for the work of reproduction. Menopausal transition is about the ending of those reproductive years and the need for high levels of oestrogen come to an end. This is natures cycle.
Fluctuations in oestrogen levels compared to other hormones can cause issues throughout a woman's life but for the woman transitioning through menopause high levels of oestrogen may result in weight gain, memory lapses and breast cancer. While low levels may result in hot flushes, vaginal dryness, incontinence, mood swings or depression, breast tenderness, headaches or migraines, fatigue and is associated with osteoporosis.
Women who have had a hysterectomy where the ovaries are removed will usually need to have MRT/HRT to replace the hormones their body would normally make. These issues should be discussed with your health care provider prior to surgery if possible.
Vaginal oestrogen maybe prescribed to assist women transitioning through menopause with vaginal dryness and atrophy, with good result for short term use however it is important that you consult your health care professional before using these products. Precautions are needed if you have breast cancer, vaginal bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, liver disease, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes or high blood pressure. If you have had a heart attack, stroke or have experienced blood clots. Also if you experience migraines.
Side effects of vaginal estrogen creams, gels and pessaries include vaginal itching, burning or a discharge, nausea, stomach cramps , weight and mood changes, dizziness and headaches, If you experience breast discomfort please seek professional assistance. This is only a short list of possible side effects so please look up the product you are using to be informed and if you develop any of these side effects seek professional assistance immediately.
Bio identical verses Traditional hormones or creams, which is better? The side effects are the similar for both groups. The difference is in the process of making them. Bio identical means the chemical structure of the product is chemically identical to that in the body, are plant derived and works of the assumption that it is therefore better. Traditional hormones were made from the urine of pregnant horses and other synthetic hormones.
Other options that can be considered for the addressing of hormonal symptoms include foods called phytoestrogens and nutritional supplements.. Herbs as food, teas, tinctures and pessaries can also be of great assistance. Reducing sugars and exercising may also be of benefit to some women.
If you are struggling through and require assistance we at Retree Wellness would love to assist you as you transition through menopause book an appointment today. (excludes the USA and Canada, Please seek a natural therapist licensed to practice in your country)
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