Benefits of Estrogen Cream
Ever since the discovery of hormonal applications as a benefit in the treatment of menopause, the inclusion of estrogen in this treatment became widely accepted as necessary. Originally, hormones were administered orally and by subdermal injection. Eventually, topical creams have been developed to be a more comfortable and controllable method for the application of estrogen. Since the introduction of estrogen creams, many women and doctors alike have found them to be beneficial.
-
What is Estrogen Cream?
-
As unusual as it sounds, estrogen treatment compounds have been derived almost exclusively from horse urine since the 1920s. The reasoning was that equine hormonal levels most closely matched those of human females. The introduction of estrogen creams allowed for mixtures of the three estrogen hormones found in the female body--estriol, estradiol and estrone--to be combined with a cream base for topical application. This provided an easier method of introducing the estrogen hormones to the body without using invasive application techniques, such as subdermal injections.
Uses of Estrogen Creams
-
There are several uses of estrogen creams, depending on the symptom targeted. Part of the menopausal process is a natural loss of certain fluids in the female body which can affect skin moisture levels internally as well as externally. Estrogen creams can be applied to areas that tend to become dry during and after menopause, such as the elbows, knees, thighs, the chest and the neck.
-
Types of Estrogen Creams
-
In addition to the estrogen creams that are derived from equine hormones, others use natural synthetically-prepared human estrogens said to more closely replicate the ratio of the three estrogen hormones of the female human. New research claims that progesterone is more important than estrogen in hormone replacement therapy, prompting the introduction of topical creams containing both of these hormones. There are also vaginal estrogen creams, which are appropriate for maintaining general moisture levels, useful for a higher comfort level during sexual activity, for example.
Warnings about Estrogen Cream Use
-
There has been a great deal of debate as to the effectiveness of the different types of hormone replacement therapies, as well as to the levels of estrogen that are considered to be safe in an ongoing treatment therapy. Increases in uterine problems, including cancer, as well as chemical imbalances have been reported by women who are in hormone replacement therapy, and there has been more research into these problems. Additionally, some women who use vaginal estrogen creams have reported an increase in urinary tract infections and bladder discomforts.
Conclusions about the Use of Estrogen Cream
-
While the research continues into the reported problems with general hormone replacement therapy, estrogen creams are still being prescribed by many doctors, and are being used by many women with no reported detrimental side effects. The current logic indicates that while problems may occur in hormone replacement therapy due to the multifaceted effects of menopause, the continued use of estrogen creams, especially the newer naturally-derived types, does not pose a serious health risk to the majority of women who use them under a doctor's care.
-
