The new medication Evista also reverses bone loss. After menopause the risk is the same as men. No other treatment comes close - including diet. Estrogens reduce the risk of Alzheimer s disease. Depression, fatigue, thinning skin, dry vagina, slowed thinking and memory are usually improved with estrogen replacement.
Some studies suggest the risk of dying from breast cancer is lower in women who take estrogens.
The absolute risk is still small, but highest in smokers. Some studies are underway to evaluate the safety of hormones in women who have had breast cancer in the past - these women currently cannot take hormones. Side effects are relatively uncommon - the worst being sore breasts, which can often be prevented by taking lower doses for a few months first. Other side effects include fluid retention, enlargement of benign uterine fibroids, skin pigment changes, and a slight increased risk in gallstones and high blood pressure. Vaginal blood spotting can occur for a few months after dose changes.