Weigh the Risks & Benefits of
Estrogen Therapy (ET) |
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Before deciding on your course of treatment, it’s important to evaluate the
risks and benefits. Make sure to consult with your doctor to find a treatment
that’s right for you.
Risks of ET
Estrogens increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). You
should report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are taking
estrogens. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of
the uterus (womb).
Do not use estrogens (with or without progestins) to prevent heart disease,
heart attacks or strokes. Using estrogens (with or without progestins) may
increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer and
blood clots. Using estrogens may increase your risk of dementia (decline in
memory and thinking skills).
ET should not be used if you:
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Have unusual vaginal bleeding
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Currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or
uterus
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Had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year)
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Currently have or have had blood clots
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Currently have or have had liver problems
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May be pregnant
Common side effects of ET include headache, breast pain, irregular vaginal
bleeding, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting and hair loss.
Benefits of ET
ET can help reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe
dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; and help reduce your
chances of getting osteoporosis (thin, weak bones). Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day is
only used to prevent osteoporosis from menopause. If you use Vivelle-Dot only
to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina or if you
use Vivelle-Dot only to prevent osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your
healthcare professional about whether a different treatment or medicine
without estrogens might be better for you.
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