Is It Safe to Use Estrogen Creams?
Estrogen is a sex hormone naturally produced by the body. Estrogen is responsible for essential functions such as reproduction and hormone balancing. As women age, the amount of estrogen developed decreases and low amounts cause menopausal symptoms. Low estrogen results in vaginal atrophy (dryness), hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. One answer is hormone therapy using estrogens creams. But a lot of people question whether it is safe to use estrogen creams?
The simple answer is yes, estrogen creams are safe and effective to use for women’s health.
Why are Estrogen Creams Safe?
The Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study showed that the risk of developing breast cancer, blood clots, endometrial cancer, and cardiovascular events (heart attacks and strokes) was the same, regardless of estrogen cream supplementation.
The study commonly called WHI had over 161, 000 postmenopausal women in the clinical trial. 45,663 of the women (aged 50 - 79) self-reported vaginal cream use throughout five years. Researchers showed for those with or without a uterus had no increased health risk for the conditions listed above and had a lower risk for heart disease or breaking a bone.
Now that we know that estrogen creams are safe, let’s look at how estrogen works, symptoms of low estrogen, types of estrogen creams and dosages.
How does estrogen work?
Your estrogen levels change throughout the month. The ovaries, responsible for egg production, are the primary source of estrogen. Although men produce small amounts of estrogen in the adrenal gland as well. Estrogen travels through the blood and throughout the body. Even though estrogen levels change daily, low levels produce symptoms of menopause.
What are the symptoms and signs of low estrogen?
According to the North American Menopause Society, the primary cause of low estrogen is menopause. While this is true, your body might make too much or too little estrogen for a variety of reasons.
Symptoms of low or high estrogen include:
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Unexplained weight loss or gain
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Lack of interest in sexual intercourse
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Pain during sex
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Unusual vaginal bleeding
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Vaginal dryness
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Hot flashes
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Mental health concerns
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Fatigue
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Dry skin
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Trouble sleeping
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And more
Types of Estrogen Creams and Dosages
The body produces three different types of estrogen (estradiol, estriol, and estrone). Estrogen therapies will include one or more kinds of estrogen to provide hormonal balancing. Besides estrogen creams, there are also vaginal creams, vaginal rings, and estrogen vaginal tablets. All contain forms of estrogen combined with other natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera. Low daily dosages of 25 mg have little to no side effects. Directly apply a small amount on your skin and rub it firmly.
Estrogen creams or Biest creams are an effective treatment for many kinds of health concerns from menopausal symptoms to low energy and sex drive. Research shows that estrogen supplementation does not increase breast cancer risk or cause hormonal imbalances. It’s safe to use.
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Breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and cardiovascular... : Menopause. (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2019, from https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Citation/2018/01000/Breast_cancer,_endometrial_cancer,_and.5.aspx
Estrogen | Hormone Health Network. (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2019, from https://www.hormone.org/hormones-and-health/hormones/estrogen
Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). By the way, doctor: Is vaginal estrogen safe? Retrieved February 28, 2019, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/By_the_way_doctor_Is_vaginal_estrogen_safe
Using Vaginal Estrogen Doesn't Increase Breast Cancer Risk. (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2019, from https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/vaginal-estrogen-not-linked-to-high-risk
