Although it is not one of the hormones required for vital functions, estrogen provides certain body systems some protection. Some perimenopausal women may also experience symptoms of diminishing estrogen levels such as warm flushes or vaginal dryness. Some women may also want hormone replacement therapy with estrogen to ease the symptoms of menopause as well as lower their lifelong risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. The estrogen used is a different type and a lower strength than that in oral contraceptives. Another hormone, progestin, is usually combined with estrogen for women with a uterus.
Tansdermal estrogen can offer bone protection and relief of menopausal symptoms.
Each woman must evaluate with her physician whether HRT may be appropriate for her. If so, she must consider which HRT form, dosage and schedule best fits her risk profile, symptoms and preferences. Although estrogen is naturally found in a woman's body for much of her life, HRT is not without drawbacks. These include varying periods of bleeding, and possibly breast tenderness, fluid retention, or weight changes. Such side effects subside within the first year of HRT as the body adjusts to the new hormone levels.