You may take estrogen for many years after menopause to prevent or decrease osteoporosis and heart problems. However, there are many factors involved in estrogen treatment. You and your doctor should talk about what makes sense for you. Some studies have suggested that estrogen increases a woman's risk of getting breast cancer. Other studies don't show such a risk.
Heart disease kills far more women than breast cancer.
Estrogen treatment can save lives by cutting the risk of hip fractures and heart disease. For many women, though, the fear of breast cancer is very strong. It's important to consider your personal health history and your family's history. You should talk with your doctor before you decide about taking estrogen. This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone.