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ASK THE DOCTOR: Taking Hormone Replacements Can Mean A World Of Difference For Women By SPECIAL TO CITIZEN-TIMES Nov. 14, 2004 6:45 p.m. Question: What are the benefits of hormone replacement therapy as a treatment for menopause? - Asheville Reader Answer: The loss of estrogen production at the time of menopause can have serious consequences for some women. Because menopausal transition is unique to each individual, the need for hormone replacement must be considered individually. Many women do not realize the important role estrogen plays in most body tissues. The lack of estrogen can result in osteoporosis (brittle bones) which can result in fractures of the hip and vertebrae in later life. The death rate from hip fracture equals that of breast cancer and the morbidity is greater. Estrogen slows the progression of hardening of the arteries in many women. Estrogen is necessary to maintain vaginal tissues. Without it the clitoris can get smaller and become less responsive. The vaginal walls lose their folds and become thinner, resulting in painful intercourse. Vaginal discharge is more common. Collagen that supports the bladder, uterus, and rectum thins and pelvic organs may descend to cause symptoms such as urinary leakage and pelvic pressure. Women without estrogen may be more likely to have dry eye cataracts, macular degeneration, and loss of visual acuity. They are more likely to suffer loss of teeth and poor gum health. Estrogen is the most effective treatment of hot flashes and night sweats. Many women find that nothing else will eliminate those symptoms. Women on hormone replacement are less likely to develop diabetes and high blood pressure. Blood flow is improved to the brain, kidney, and many other parts of the body. Estrogen is important in maintaining the appearance of skin. It thickens collagen, protects elasticity, and improves moisture. Estrogen has been shown to improve memory, mood, and cognition in younger menopausal patients. Alzheimer's disease is delayed, Parkinson's disease may be improved, and estrogen may benefit those with multiple sclerosis. Women who suffer hot flashes, are sexually active, who are thin, have a family history of osteoporosis or Alzheimer's disease should reconsider hormone replacement. Taking estrogen, like any medication, is not without risk. Women who have had a history of a blood clot, who are obese, diabetic, who have had a heart attack or breast cancer may not be candidates for hormone replacement. Women should discuss their risks and possible benefits with their physician. For more information, please see http://www.menopausaltruths.com The public is invited to submit questions to Ask the Doctor, c/o Buncombe County Medical Society, 304 Summit Street, Asheville, NC 28803 or by e-mail to [log in to unmask] Questions must be signed but names will not be used when replies are published. When considering medical advice, readers should consult their primary care provider. SOURCE: Asheville Citizen-Times, NC http://tinyurl.com/7yftz * * *Murray Charters <[log in to unmask]> Please place this address in your address book Please purge all others Web site: Parkinsons Resources on the WWWeb http://www.geocities.com/murraycharters ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn