Effects of estrogen: A Synthesis of Findings from 54 Studies
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This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.
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Major Research Findings
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) can have a range of effects on the body, particularly in postmenopausal women. Studies have shown that the effects of ERT can vary based on the route of administration, the type of estrogen used, and other factors.
Oral estrogen, compared to transdermal estrogen, can disrupt the balance of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) in postmenopausal women, reducing IGF-I and increasing GH levels. 15 Furthermore, oral estrogen has been linked to reduced postprandial lipid oxidation and a decrease in lean body mass with an increase in fat mass compared to transdermal estrogen. 15 However, the route of estrogen therapy does not seem to affect carbohydrate metabolism or the estrogen-induced increase in bone mineral density. 15
The Women's Health Initiative Estrogen-Alone trial, which compared conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) with placebo, was halted prematurely due to an increased incidence of stroke and no reduction in coronary heart disease risk. 32 Initial findings suggesting a possible reduction in breast cancers warranted further investigation. 32
Raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), has estrogen-like effects on bones and estrogen-antagonist effects on the breast and uterus. 9 Compared to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), raloxifene has been shown to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). 9 Additionally, raloxifene has been found to increase bone density and doesn't stimulate the endometrium. 7 Furthermore, combining raloxifene with low-dose conjugated estrogen has shown similar menopausal symptom relief effects as conjugated estrogen alone, and similar effects on the endometrium as raloxifene alone. 53
Soy isoflavones, a type of plant estrogen, have been proposed to have beneficial effects on cognitive function, bone density, and blood lipids. However, multiple studies have concluded that soy isoflavones do not significantly impact these indicators in postmenopausal women. 26 25 40
Benefits and Risks
Benefits Summary
Estrogen replacement therapy has the potential to alleviate various symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, sweating, vaginal dryness, and joint pain. 3 2 51 ERT can also increase bone density and potentially reduce the risk of osteoporosis. 7 Furthermore, selective estrogen receptor modulators like raloxifene may improve blood lipid profiles and potentially reduce the risk of heart disease. 9
Risks Summary
Estrogen replacement therapy carries certain risks. It has been linked to an increased risk of stroke. 32 Some studies have also suggested an increased risk of breast cancer and endometrial cancer. 32 53 Potential side effects of ERT include vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness, and headaches. 27 37
Comparison of Studies
Commonalities
Numerous studies have consistently indicated that estrogen replacement therapy can help alleviate menopausal symptoms while also presenting certain risks. 15 32 9 26 25 40 3 2 51 7 53 27 37 Furthermore, research has established that the effects and risks associated with ERT can vary based on factors like the route of administration, the type of estrogen used, and other individual characteristics.
Differences
The findings regarding ERT's impact on stroke risk have been inconsistent across studies. While the Women's Health Initiative Estrogen-Alone trial suggested an increased risk, other studies have not reached the same conclusion. 32 Similarly, studies on the effects of soy isoflavones on cognitive function and bone density have yielded varying results. 26 25 40 These discrepancies could be attributed to differences in study design, participant age, the type of estrogen used, the duration of the study, and other factors.
Consistency and Contradictions in Results
While there's consistency in research findings regarding ERT's effectiveness in alleviating menopausal symptoms and increasing bone density, there are contradictions in results concerning its association with stroke and breast cancer risk. 15 3 2 51 7 32 These contradictions may stem from variations in study design, participant age, and other factors. 15 32 9 26 25 40 3 2 51 7 53 27 37
Applying the Research in Everyday Life
While ERT can be a valuable tool for mitigating menopausal symptoms and potentially reducing osteoporosis risk, it's crucial to understand its associated risks. 15 32 9 7 3 2 51 If considering ERT, it's essential to have an open and comprehensive discussion with a healthcare professional to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and make informed decisions about your health. 27 37
Limitations of Current Research
The research on ERT still has limitations. More extensive studies are necessary to fully understand its long-term impact, its effects on specific diseases, and the optimal routes and types of estrogen for different individuals. 15 32 9 26 25 40 3 2 51 7 53 27 37
Future Research Directions
Continued research is crucial to address the long-term effects of ERT, its efficacy in treating specific diseases, and the determination of optimal estrogen routes and types for different individuals. 15 32 9 26 25 40 3 2 51 7 53 27 37
Conclusion
Estrogen replacement therapy can be beneficial in alleviating menopausal symptoms and potentially reducing osteoporosis risk, but it also comes with certain risks. 15 32 9 26 25 40 3 2 51 7 53 27 37 Therefore, before starting ERT, it's essential to have a thorough discussion with your doctor to understand the potential benefits and risks and make informed decisions about your health. 15 32 9 26 25 40 3 2 51 7 53 27 37
Benefit Keywords
Risk Keywords
Article Type
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