Can i use estrogen without progesterone

In the largest clinical trial to date, hormone replacement therapy that consisted of an estrogen-progestin pill Prempro increased the risk of certain serious conditions, including:.

All of these risks should be considered by you and your doctor when deciding whether hormone therapy might be an option for you. If you haven't had a hysterectomy and are using systemic estrogen therapy, you'll also need progestin. Your doctor can help you find the delivery method that offers the most benefits and convenience with the least risks and cost.

You may be able to manage menopausal hot flashes with healthy-lifestyle approaches such as keeping cool, limiting caffeinated beverages and alcohol, and practicing paced relaxed breathing or other relaxation techniques. There are also several nonhormone prescription medications that may help relieve hot flashes. For vaginal concerns such as dryness or painful intercourse, a vaginal moisturizer or lubricant may provide relief.

You might also ask your doctor about the prescription medication ospemifene Osphena , which may help with episodes of painful intercourse. To determine if hormone therapy is a good treatment option for you, talk to your doctor about your individual symptoms and health risks. Be sure to keep the conversation going throughout your menopausal years. As researchers learn more about hormone therapy and other menopausal treatments, recommendations may change. If you continue to have bothersome menopausal symptoms, review treatment options with your doctor on a regular basis.

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Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. The Bottom Line: Hormone therapy is an acceptable option for the relatively young up to age 59 or within 10 years of menopause and healthy women who are bothered by moderate to severe menopausal symptoms.

Individualization is key in the decision to use hormone therapy. Consideration should be given to the woman's quality of life priorities as well as her personal risk factors such as age, time since menopause, and her risk of blood clots, heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer.

Medical organizations devoted to the care of menopausal women agree that there is no question that hormone therapy has an important role in managing symptoms for healthy women during the menopause transition and in early menopause. Ongoing research will continue to provide more information as we move forward. Going Mad in Perimenopause? Email to a Friend.

Email to Friend. Email a Friend close. Be sure to discuss the pros and cons of different types and doses of HRT. If you do decide to take HRT, try to take the lowest dose possible that still meets your treatment goals. You may want to ask your doctor if estrogen-only HRT is a good option for you.

You also may want to ask your doctor about vaginal or transdermal HRT. Learn more about menopause and ways to manage side effects on the Breastcancer. Written by: Jamie DePolo , senior editor. Reviewed by: Brian Wojciechowski, M. Create a profile for better recommendations. Breast implant illness BII is a term that some women and doctors use to refer to a wide range Sign up for emails about breast cancer news, virtual events, and more. Subscribe to our podcast for conversations on the issues that matter most.

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