ESTROGEN TREATMENT IN THE PAST AND THE FUTURE IN CASES OF ESTROGEN DEFICIENCY

Abstract

Estrogen treatment during the climacteric has been recognized and used for many years. In 1929 reports of the 1st use of ovarian extracts to relieve menopausal symptoms were made. While the possibility of estrogen as a carcinogen has been of concern their aid in treating many menopausal disabilities is important. Estrogens have a beneficial effect on the psyche although the effect on severe depression indecision delusions and hypochondria were minimal. Osteoporosis can be prevented in women receiving estrogens from the beginning of their menopause. There is a significant increase in coronary heart disease (CHD) in women who have a premature menopause (less than 40 years of age). Serum levels of cholesterol lipoproteins and triglycerides seem to vary with the preparation of estrogen used. It is a clinical experience that CHD and thromboembolism are rare among postmenopausal women treated with estrogens. This may be due to the reduced endogenous production of estrogens. Estrogens also have a beneficial effect on the urinary tract and should be used to treat cases of caruncula in the urethral mucus membranes. In treatment of postmenopausal patients with estrogen however it is important to ascertain the length of time of the treatment the kind of estrogen to be used whether cyclical treatment with the addition of progesterone should be used what side effects will develop whether there is an association with cancer and whether estrogen should be given prophylactically or only to woimen with symptoms. women with symptoms.