Estrogen replacement therapy used to be heavily prescribed to women suffering from hormonal imbalance. This holds especially true for those women of menopausal age, though is also applicable to younger women as well experiencing estrogen deficiency. However, in 2002 a landmark study was conducted by the Women's Health Initiative that showed a link between estrogen replacement therapy and breast cancer. In addition, there are other side effects of estrogen replacement therapy that a woman may experience. Keep reading to learn more about these side effects of estrogen replacement therapy, along with other, more serious conditions that may be associated with ERT.
Dangers and Side Effects of Estrogen Replacement Therapy
| Common Side Effects of ERT |
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vaginal Discharge
• Fluid Retention
• Weight Gain
• Breast Tenderness
• Skin Spotting
• Asthma |
|
Because the majority of estrogen used in estrogen replacement therapy is not generated by a woman's own body, there are certain dangers and reactions that can occur.
To the right is a list of some of the most commonly experienced side effects experienced by women using estrogen replacement therapy. High levels of estrogen have been associated particularly with weight gain in the midsection, which can lead to problems down the road such as heart disease or stroke.
To learn more about these more serious conditions that can be brought on by the side effects of estrogen replacement therapy, keep reading.
Other Risks Associated with Estrogen Replacement Therapy
In addition to aggravating symptoms that women with hormonal dysfunction may already be suffering, side effects of estrogen replacement therapy may also include more serious conditions. Estrogen excess caused by estrogen replacement therapy has been linked to the following conditions:
• Breast Cancer
• Uterine Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Obesity
• Blood Clots
While these side effects of estrogen replacement therapy are not so common and are not meant to shock, they should come as a precaution. If a woman decides that the benefits do not outweigh the risks, there are fortunately a number of options that she has. Click here to learn more about the
alternative treatments to estrogen replacement therapy.
