DEAR DR. GOTT:
Can you please give me some information on estradiol and if it can cause breast cancer? None of the articles I have read have information about this subject.
I am 70 years old and have been taking estrogen (1 mg estradiol daily) since having had a complete hysterectomy 25 years ago. A few years ago I asked my gynecologist if I should quit or reduce to a half dose but she advised I would lose my protection against osteoporosis. I now have a new gynecologist who is urging me to taper off and eventually stop the hormone altogether. I don’t agree with him.
Are there any natural hormones I can take?
DEAR READER:
Estradiol is an estrogen replacement medication. It is used for the treatment of moderate to severe vulvar and vaginal atrophy, symptoms of menopause, to replace estrogen after removal of the ovaries, treatment of osteoporosis (when non-estrogen medications are inappropriate) and palliative (comfort) treatment of breast cancer in certain women.
Estrogen therapy is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders such as heart attack, stroke and blood clots, endometrial (uterine lining) and breast cancers, dementia, gallbladder disease, visual disturbances, and hypercalcemia (high blood calcium).
In my opinion, your current physician is correct. At 70 you no longer need estrogen therapy. You may experience symptoms of menopause once off the medication, but slowly tapering will likely reduce them.
There are several varieties of plant estrogens (Estroven, and others) available on the market that may be suitable. They are available without a prescription. To the best of my knowledge, these are very effective for some individuals but not others. They provide relief from menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats and more without the increased risk of cancer and other side effects. Before starting any new medication, discuss this with your physician.
Other options to control menopausal symptoms (especially night sweats and hot flashes) include black cohosh (see package instructions), ginger (one 1-inch piece as needed), vitamin E (800 IU daily), acupuncture (2-3 times weekly), increased soy intake (50 grams daily), and exercise (20-30 minutes 4-5 times weekly). Ginger is also beneficial for the treatment of motion sickness.
As for osteoporosis protection, there are several things you can do. First, take calcium (1200-1500 mg) and vitamin D (400-800 IU) supplements daily. Weight bearing exercises are also beneficial. If you develop osteoporosis there are several prescription medications available, such as Fosamax, Boniva and others.
Follow your doctor’s advice. Don’t be afraid to ask his opinion about alternative options such as those I mentioned above. If you are taking any other prescriptions be sure that there are no known adverse reactions between the alternative drugs and modern medications.
To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Menopause” and “Osteoporosis”. Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 (per report) to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).
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