Studies have proven that women with prolonged estrogen levels have decreased risks for developing cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and dementia. Although there are some risks associated with estrogen use, the benefits typically outweigh the risks when started within 5 years of menopause and paired with preventative health measures. Risks include blood clots, cardiovascular risks, and increased risks of breast cancer. If you’ve not had a history of blood clots, your risk is low. Being a nonsmoker also reduces your risk of blood clots. With breast cancer, estrogen therapy is safe with preventative measures of breast screenings. So, with a mammogram every 1-2 years and self-breast exams intermittently between mammograms you can minimize risk of an aggressive late found breast cancer. Cardiovascular risks are there with and without estrogen. There are not enough studies to prove which outweighs the other.
Estrogen therapy can be used for disease prevention and should not only be considered to reduce postmenopausal symptoms. In addition to the benefits above, it can reduce vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy. This means that sex can continue to be comfortable and risks for recurring UTIs are lower.
If you still have a uterus, you will need estrogen and progesterone to protect the lining of your uterus from endometrial cancer. I typically would advise on a combination pill or progesterone pill + estrogen patch.
If you have any difficulty with libido, consider asking for a low dose testosterone cream. Testosterone in a low dose can help with libido, fat reduction, gain of muscle mass, energy, and motivation.
