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Estrogen's Impact on Atherosclerosis: A Crucial Insight for Women

Menopause symptom alleviation through hormone replacement therapy should not be dismissed despite potential risks. Heart disease, being the leading cause of women's deaths, highlights the significance of comprehending the impact of estrogen loss on blood vessels and the availability of natural...

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Undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy might alleviate menopause symptoms for numerous women....
Undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy might alleviate menopause symptoms for numerous women. Nevertheless, it carries potential risks. Given that Heart Disease is the foremost cause of death among women, a greater number of females ought to grasp the impact of estrogen depletion on their blood vessels and be aware of the natural methods available to manage menopause and ward off Heart Disease.

Estrogen's Impact on Atherosclerosis: A Crucial Insight for Women

Estrogen Hormone Replacement Therapy: Benefits, Risks, and Considerations

In recent years, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), specifically estrogen-based therapy, has been the subject of extensive discussion due to its complex long-term benefits and risks. While not suitable for all women, especially those with a history of breast cancer or high breast cancer risk, most healthy postmenopausal women can safely opt for HRT to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, dry skin, insomnia, irritable bladder, and vaginal dryness.

However, it is essential to understand that HRT is not without its risks. Similar to birth control pills, both estrogen and estrogen with progestogen regimens elevate the risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs, although the risk is rare in women between the ages of 50 and 59. Furthermore, a study based on data from the Early Versus Late Intervention Trial With Estradiol (ELITE) has confirmed that HRT with estradiol can slow the progression of atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory process of the blood vessels that leads to cardiovascular disease.

Research has shown that HRT offers several heart health benefits, such as improving biomarkers associated with heart health when initiated close to menopause onset. For women under 60 or those starting HRT soon after menopause, the cardiovascular safety profile is generally favorable, with some evidence suggesting reduced risk of coronary artery disease. However, ongoing debate exists regarding the safety of starting HRT after age 60 or more than ten years after menopause, with some earlier studies indicating an increased risk of cardiovascular events in this group.

In terms of bone health, estrogen therapy is known for preventing postmenopausal bone loss and reducing the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. However, the protective effect diminishes quickly after stopping HRT, implying ongoing use may be necessary for sustained benefits.

When it comes to cancer risk, long-term use of combined estrogen-progestogen HRT (more than 10 years) is associated with a modestly increased risk of breast cancer. Estrogen-only therapy, typically reserved for women without a uterus, does not carry the same risk but may be linked to other risks. Furthermore, estrogen therapy alone increases the risk of endometrial cancer; however, this risk is mitigated if combined with a progestogen, which is standard practice for women with a uterus.

In light of these findings, it is crucial to consider the individual's health status and risk factors, and decisions should be made in consultation with healthcare providers. Generally, HRT is safest and most beneficial for women under 60 or those initiating within 10 years of menopause. Additionally, using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed to manage symptoms is recommended.

In addition to conventional HRT, natural sources of estrogen found in plant-based foods rich in phytoestrogens may help raise estrogen levels. Foods such as seeds, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and herbs can be incorporated into the diet to potentially boost estrogen levels. Vitamins B and D, which play a role in estrogen creation and activation, should also be maintained at optimal levels.

_Editor's Note: There are safe and natural ways to decrease the risk of blood clots. For more information on these methods, click here for Hushed Up Natural Heart Cures and Common Misconceptions of Popular Heart Treatments!**

Sources:

  • How Hormone Therapy Slows Progression of Atherosclerosis - North American Menopause Society
  • The Experts Do Agree About Hormone Therapy - North American Menopause Society
  • Hormone replacement therapy is associated with less coronary atherosclerosis and lower mortality - Journal of the American College of Cardiology
  • Coronary Calcium Score and Cardiovascular Risk - American College of Cardiology
  • Estrogen & Hormones - Cleveland Clinic
  • Hormone replacement therapy and the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis – Przeglad Menopauzalny
  • Foods that May Help Boost Your Estrogen and Testosterone Levels - MDVIP
  • 12 Natural Ways to Boost Estrogen in Your Body - Healthline
  1. Despite the benefits of HRT, women with a history of breast cancer or high risk should avoid estrogen-based therapy.
  2. The favorable cardiovascular safety profile of HRT is primarily for women under 60 or those starting HRT soon after menopause.
  3. Estrogen therapy can prevent postmenopausal bone loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.
  4. Combined estrogen-progestogen HRT, when used for more than 10 years, is associated with a modestly increased risk of breast cancer.
  5. Foods rich in phytoestrogens, such as seeds, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and herbs, can potentially boost estrogen levels.
  6. Vitamins B and D, which play a role in estrogen creation and activation, should be maintained at optimal levels.
  7. HRT slows the progression of atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory process of the blood vessels that leads to cardiovascular disease.
  8. Maintaining the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed to manage symptoms is recommended for HRT.
  9. Ongoing debate exists regarding the safety of starting HRT after age 60 or more than ten years after menopause.
  10. HRT is not suitable for all women, and decisions should be made in consultation with healthcare providers.
  11. Estrogen-only therapy, typically reserved for women without a uterus, does not carry the same breast cancer risk as combined therapy.
  12. Estrogen therapy alone increases the risk of endometrial cancer, but this risk is mitigated if combined with a progestogen.
  13. Science has long been studying the effects of HRT on medical-conditions and chronic-diseases, particularly heart health.
  14. Education and self-development can help individuals make informed decisions about HRT, considering potential risks and benefits.
  15. Personal-growth and career-development are important for maintaining overall health and wellness, alongside fitness-and-exercise and mental-health.
  16. Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health, and supplementation may be beneficial for those with specific medical needs or deficiencies.
  17. Inflammation is a common factor in various chronic diseases, and therapies-and-treatments are being developed to target and manage inflammation more effectively.
  18. Sports and physical activity, such as football, soccer, WNBA, baseball, hockey, golf, and tennis, can contribute to overall health and well-being.
  19. Sports-betting is a popular pastime for many, but it's essential to be aware of the risks and to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
  20. Sports-analysis and auto-racing provide exciting opportunities for learning about strategies, technology, and human performance, contributing to personal growth and professional development.

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