Who's the estrogen therapy for?
Estrogen is one of the key hormones that is synthesized and released in 95% by ovarian granulosa cells. It is most commonly used in hormonal contraception and in therapies supplementing the deficiency of this female sex hormone.
Estrogens come in various forms and can be obtained in the form of tablets or patches that are glued onto the skin. Also available are creams for external use and vaginal preparations. Synthetic estrogens cannot be bought without a prescription, while natural estrogen can be found in dietary supplements and some food products. Plant estrogen or phytoestrogen is found in: soya, garlic, cherry, rhubarb, pomegranate fruits, cereal products.
Effect of estrogen on the functioning of the sexual system
Sex hormones - estrogens have a huge impact on the functioning of the female body. These compounds are responsible for the menstrual cycle, sex drive and fertilization process. Estrogens are responsible for the whole maturation process in young girls, who change physically as a result of producing much more hormones. Estrogens additionally influence lipid and calcium metabolism and effectively increase protein absorption. Moreover, they are also responsible for proper blood clotting. In addition, they stimulate the production of fibrinogen and collagen, which ensures skin firmness and elasticity.
Who's the estrogen therapy for?
Indication for the use of estrogen therapy is hormone replacement regulation in the case of hypogonadism in women, i.e. in the case of primary or secondary menstrual atrophy. It is also indicated to administer estrogen in case of demonstration syndrome, symptoms in women in the peri-menopausal and post-menopausal period, as well as in case of osteoporosis in women caused by estrogen deficiency. The hormone is most often used in the form of one-component preparations and preparations combined with other hormones, which are administered as hormone replacement therapy.
Estrogen is most commonly found in tablet form, although it can also be obtained in patch form. Estrogens cannot be taken during pregnancy, as they can lead to damage and intrauterine death. It is not advisable to take estrogens among patients who suffer from liver diseases, have a problem with excessive blood coagulation, suffer from cancer dependent on estrogens and have undiagnosed bleeding from the reproductive tract.
Estrogen therapy and overdose
Overdosage of sex hormones including estrogens can lead to such side effects as: decreased libido, sleep disorders, memory disorders, weight gain, headaches, breast tenderness, mood swings, symptoms of premenstrual tension, susceptibility to osteoporosis, recurrent genital infections, fatigue, alopecia. Interestingly, both the excess and deficiency of estrogen is a nuisance. Deficiency causes, among others, heart rate disorders, sleep disorders, weight gain, hot flashes, difficulty concentrating, joint pain, calcium deficiency, headaches and much more.
