Dear Jacqui:
I'm fifty-four years old and still have some minor menopause symptoms. My sleeping pattern is not as regular as it used to be and I suffer from vaginal dryness. My doctor put me on Estrogen Replacement Therapy about seven years ago but I am concerned because I've read several articles that estrogen increases the risk of breast cancer especially after long term use. What should I do?
Anne

Dear Anne:
There are no absolute answers. There is substantial evidence that prolonged use of the synthetic estrogens increases the risk of breast cancer substantially. The latest study, called the Iowa Women's Health Study tracked over 35,000 women, aged 55 to 69 for ten years. About 40% of these women had taken E.R.T. The results for the women who had taken estrogen were the following: no increase in the most common breast cancers known as ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive ductal or lobular cancer.

However, there was a marked increase in risk of 81% of other, less common cancers for women who had taken E.R.T for five or fewer years. It is most important that you discuss with your gynecologist your own and your family history in detail to make an informed decision. Your doctor can also help you with sleep disorders. There are a number of natural products available, including non-synthetic hormones to alleviate different menopausal symptoms.

For vaginal dryness we recommend you use an intimate moisturizer without additives or fragrance. Intimate moisturizers are richer, more protective of the delicate vaginal tissue than regular lubricants. They feel more natural and eliminate vaginal dryness instantly and make extended intimacy comfortable and enjoyable.

Jacqui

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