Is estrogen bad for you?

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER. That is a very good question, but one that needs clarification.

Estrogen is a female steroid hormone that is produced by the ovaries and, in lesser amounts, by the adrenal cortex, placenta, and male testes.

It helps control and guide sexual development, including the physical changes associated with puberty. It also influences the course of ovulation in the monthly menstrual cycle, lactation after pregnancy, aspects of mood, and the aging process.

Estrogen deficiency can lead to lack of menstruation or amenorrhea, persistent difficulties associated with menopause , such as mood swings and vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis in older age.

Estrogen therapy (ET) is used to increase estrogen levels in postmenopausal. It may increase the risk of health problems in a small number of women. This increase in risk depends on age, personal risk, and when ET is started. ET can increase the risk for having a stroke and developing blood clots, gallstones,or ovarian cancer.

About 75% of all breast cancers are “ER positive.” They grow in response to the hormone estrogen and are likely to respond to estrogen therapies. Estrogen therapies are designed to help prevent recurrence of the disease by blocking the effects of estrogen.

Regards,
Maryann