If you use estrogens, check with your doctor to be sure you are using the lowest possible dose that works, and that you don t use them longer than necessary. How long you need to use estrogens will depend on the reason for use. If you want to know which of these possible uses are approved for the medicine prescribed for you, ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you the professional labeling. You can also look up the specific estrogen product in a book called the Physicians Desk Reference , which is available in many book stores and public libraries. To reduce moderate or severe menopausal symptoms.
Estrogens are hormones made by the ovaries of normal women.
Between ages 45 and 55, the ovaries normally stop making estrogens. If both ovaries are removed during an operation before natural menopause takes place, the sudden drop in estrogen levels causes surgical menopause . Using estrogen drugs can help the body adjust to lower estrogen levels and reduce these symptoms. Most women have only mild menopausal symptoms or none at all and do not need to use estrogen drugs for these symptoms. Others may need to take estrogens for a few months while their bodies adjust to lower estrogen levels.