What Are The Benefits Of Hormone (Estrogen/Progesterone) Therapy?
Relief of Menopausal Symptoms Hormone therapy can alleviate bothersome symptoms associated with menopause, particularly vaginal atrophy and dryness, hot flashes (and their associated sleeplessness), and increased urinary frequency and urgency. Oral medications and skin patches are equally effective in reducing these menopausal symptoms. Estrogen creams restore vaginal elasticity and lubrication and improve sexual pleasure. Estrogen vaginal creams are not effective against osteoporosis and heart disease. Estrogen does not prevent other problems associated with menopausal changes–such as thinning hair, increased weight, and changes in body fat distribution. Effects on Heart Disease and Stroke Most recent reports suggest that HRT (premarin + provera) increase the risk of both heart disease and stroke. In contrast to synthetic progestins, natural progesterone is heart protective and does not negative the good heart benefits of estrogen. One study found that the use of micronized progester
