Question:I am a 47 year old female. I have been using natural progesterone
cream to rid myself of hot flashes and night sweats. I have recently
changed doctors and this doctor may recommend low dose estrogen with
progesterin, he says, to counter the effects of bone loss, which
apparently occurs in the perimenopausal phase. I am resistant to
going on this program when I feel fine. Anyone have a similar
experience or thoughts? He suggests this program for 5 years. Anyone
know of any studies that confirms the benefits of this program?
Answer:I don't know what others will tell you but I don't think there have been any
definitive studies that establish that estrogen lessens bone loss in
menopausal women. The reason I say this is because there have really been
no rigorous trials for estrogen even though it has been in use for 50 years.
Its only now that there is a large scale study going on and it is not
completed. My opinion is that estrogen isn't going to keep you from
experiencing bone loss and, of course, it has its own potentially serious
side effects. If I were you I'd be emphasizing taking lots of calcium and
the right kind of exercise.
