How to Buy Estrogen

Estrogen is a hormone associated with women, but is actually produced by both male and females. In women, estrogen affects the female reproductive system, heart, bones, brain and other parts of the body. ERT, or Estrogen Replacement Therapy, is used to supplement estrogen loss or lack of hormone production during menopause. Estrogen is also used as part of HRT, Hormone Replacement Therapy, combined with progesterone.

Instructions

1. Understand the uses for estrogen. During menopause and perimenopause, estrogen reduces hot flashes, vaginal dryness and reduces sleep problems. Estrogen helps prevent bone loss and works with vitamins and minerals to build bones ERT is also used for delayed onset of puberty, endocrine and mood disorders, conception problems, vaginal atrophy and low sex drive.

2. Know the type of estrogen you want to buy. Estrogen is available in both prescription and nonprescription sources. Both types of estrogen have been studied and have varied results as to their safety. In 2004, the Women's Health Initiative Study found increased risk in stroke and blood clots from the use of prescription estrogen. Until long-term studies are done, testing bio-identical (natural) hormones, it is too early to claim that one type has less risk than the other. Many people seeking symptomatic relief for menopausal symptoms prefer the non-prescription alternative.

3. Choose the type of estrogen delivery system best suited for your personal needs. Prescription estrogen is available as an oral contraceptive, patches, sprays, vaginal rings and a hormone-containing intrauterine device (IUD). Most combination oral contraceptives contain between 20 to 50 mcg (micrograms) of estrogen.

4. Find the right source of nonprescription estrogen. Types of natural estrogen include estrone , estradiol, estriol and estetrol, according to best selling author Dr. Ray Sahelian. Phytoestrogens are a group of plant-derived compounds that have the estrogen activity of estradiol.
   According to the Mayo Clinic, Black Cohosh has been used as a HRT for menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, mood disturbances, palpitations and vaginal dryness. Anise, dong quai, fennel, licorice, red clover, siberian ginseng and wild yam are natural estrogen sources.

5. Find estrogen in your food. Phytoestrogens are found in soybeans, tofu, miso, flaxseeds, pomegranates and dates. The British medical journal, The Lancet, reported that Japanese women consume many more phytonutrients in their diets and have far fewer symptoms of menopause than Western women.

6. Buy natural forms of estrogen at your local health food store or online vitamin merchants. Estrogen is available in tablet and capsule form and can cost from $10 to $30 a bottle. Be sure to look for pharmaceutical quality supplements since the standards fluctuate. Price usually reflects quality, but not always.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy food and sugar as they can trigger hot flashes. Regular, moderate exercise has a positive effect on hormones.

• Thyroid problems are linked to estrogen levels, according to Dr. Eric Berg of the Health and Wellness Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Because estrogen can damage the liver and 80 percent of the conversion of the thyroid hormones (from T4 to T3) occurs in the liver, your thyroid problems could actually be caused by estrogen levels affecting your liver.

References

• Anti-aging and Vitality
• Mayo Clinic
• Women's Health Initiative Study

Resources

• Women to Women
• Holistic Online
• Dr. Eric Berg's Health Tips