Oestrogen Matters

Synopsis

'I believe it is an ethical imperative for all clinicians who treat women in menopause or women with breast cancer to alert their patients to this book' Michael Baum, MD, Professor Emeritus of Surgery and visiting professor of Medical Humanities, University College London

'A thorough, careful and unbiased assessment . . . This extremely valuable message deserves to be widely disseminated' Lord Turnberg, former President of the Royal College of Physicians

A compelling defence of hormone replacement therapy, exposing the faulty science behind its fall from prominence and empowering readers to make informed decisions about their health.

For years, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was hailed as a miracle. Study after study showed that HRT, if initiated at the onset of menopause, could ease symptoms ranging from hot flushes to memory loss; reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's, osteoporosis, and some cancers; and even extend a woman's overall life expectancy. But when a large study by the Women's Health Initiative announced results showing an uptick in breast cancer among women taking HRT, the winds shifted abruptly, and HRT, officially deemed a carcinogen, was abandoned.

Now, sixteen years after HRT was left for dead, Dr Bluming, a medical oncologist, and Dr Tavris, a social psychologist, track its strange history and present a compelling case for its resurrection. They investigate what led the public - and much of the medical establishment - to accept the Women's Health Initiative's often exaggerated claims, while also providing a fuller picture of the science that supports HRT.

A sobering and revelatory read, Oestrogen Matters sets the record straight on this beneficial treatment and provides an empowering path to wellness for women everywhere.

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Power of Estrogen

* Estrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries that plays a vital role in many biological processes, including fertility, metabolism, and bone health.
* Natural decline in estrogen levels occurs during menopause.
* Symptoms of estrogen deficiency include hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and cognitive decline.

Chapter 2: The Estrogen-Progesterone Connection

* Progesterone is another hormone produced by the ovaries that balances the effects of estrogen.
* Progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and prevents endometrial hyperplasia.
* Women deficient in both estrogen and progesterone may experience heavy or irregular periods, as well as an increased risk of endometrial cancer.

Chapter 3: Estrogen and Cardiovascular Health

* Estrogen has protective effects on the heart and blood vessels.
* It helps lower cholesterol levels, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation.
* Women who undergo early menopause or have reduced estrogen levels may be at increased risk for heart disease.

Chapter 4: Estrogen and Brain Health

* Estrogen supports cognitive function and protects against Alzheimer's disease.
* It improves memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities.
* Women who experience a sudden drop in estrogen levels, such as after a hysterectomy, may be more susceptible to cognitive decline.

Chapter 5: Estrogen and Bone Health

* Estrogen helps maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
* The decline in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to increased bone loss and an increased risk of fractures.
* Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen can help protect bone health in postmenopausal women.

Chapter 6: Estrogen and the Immune System

* Estrogen has both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects on the immune system.
* It can help regulate immune responses and reduce the risk of autoimmune disorders.
* Women with low estrogen levels may be more susceptible to infections and autoimmune diseases.

Chapter 7: Estrogen and Breast Cancer Risk

* Estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer cells.
* However, the risk of breast cancer associated with estrogen replacement therapy depends on factors such as the type of estrogen used, the dosage, and the duration of use.
* Women with a family history of breast cancer should discuss the risks and benefits of HRT with their doctor.

Chapter 8: Estrogen and Hormone Replacement Therapy

* HRT is a treatment that uses estrogen and/or progesterone to replace the hormones that are lost during menopause.
* HRT can effectively relieve menopausal symptoms, protect against osteoporosis, and improve cardiovascular health.
* However, HRT may not be appropriate for all women, and it carries potential risks, such as blood clots and endometrial hyperplasia.

Real Example:

Sarah is a 48-year-old woman experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Her doctor suspects that she is entering menopause and orders blood tests to confirm her estrogen levels. The test results show low estrogen levels, and Sarah's doctor recommends HRT to alleviate her symptoms and protect her long-term health. Sarah weighs the risks and benefits of HRT and decides to start treatment. After a few weeks of HRT, Sarah's symptoms gradually subside, and she begins to sleep better and feel more balanced.