To estradot, or not?

“Now that women are discouraged from initiating
estrogen therapy, those who undergo oophorectomy at a young age and do not initiate or
continue estrogen therapy until at least the age of natural menopause are at significantly
increased risk for several chronic diseases of aging.”

It’s an ongoing debate, mostly (from what I’ve understood) as a result of mis-placement of evidence suggesting that there are risks associated with oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT) for older, post-menopausal women who underwent a natural menopause.  These risks do not apply to younger women who have undergone a surgical menopause.  However, there is so much confusion and mis-information that many of us end up confused and uncertain of what to do.

For me, estradot (transdermal oestrogen patches) is a mini-miracle.  It addresses menopause and reduces risks associated with an early menopause.

The evidence suggests that starting ERT within one year of undergoing a surgical menopause at a young age DOES reduce risks associated with early menopause, namely heart disease, osteoporosis and impaired cognitive function.

For young women who have undergone a double oophorectomy and are experiencing a surgical menopause, my advice would be:  stay young, and estradot.

For more, see:  Prophylactic oophorectomy in pre-menopausal women and long
term health – a review.  Menopause Int. 2008 ; 14(3): 111–116. doi:10.1258/mi.2008.008016.