At Complete Healthcare for Women in Richland, WA, Dr. Richard Lorenzo, D.O., and Kortney Jones, ARNP, understand the challenges women face during and after menopause. One effective treatment option for many women is estrogen therapy. Here's what you need to know about the benefits of estrogen after menopause.
Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most common and disruptive symptoms of menopause. These vasomotor symptoms are caused by fluctuating and declining estrogen levels. Estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment for reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats, helping women sleep better and feel more comfortable throughout the day.
As estrogen levels decline, women may experience vaginal dryness, irritation, painful intercourse, and urinary urgency or frequency. Estrogen helps maintain the thickness and elasticity of vaginal tissues and supports a healthy urinary tract. Local or systemic estrogen therapy can restore moisture and comfort, improving sexual health and urinary function.
After menopause, women are at an increased risk of osteoporosis due to the rapid loss of bone density associated with low estrogen. Estrogen therapy helps maintain bone strength by slowing the rate of bone loss, reducing the risk of fractures—especially in the spine, hips, and wrists. It remains a key option for women at risk of or already diagnosed with osteoporosis, particularly those who are intolerant of other treatments.
While estrogen is not approved solely for heart disease prevention, studies suggest it may have protective effects on the cardiovascular system when started around the time of menopause. Estrogen supports healthy cholesterol levels and may improve arterial function. The timing, type, and delivery method of estrogen therapy are all important considerations—something that Dr. Richard Lorenzo and Kortney Jones, ARNP carefully discuss with each patient.
Some women report improvements in mood, mental clarity, and memory with estrogen therapy. While more research is ongoing, estrogen’s role in brain function is clear, and restoring hormonal balance may help reduce mood swings and cognitive changes that sometimes accompany menopause.
Estrogen therapy is not for everyone, and the decision to start hormone therapy should be based on an individualized evaluation of benefits and risks. Factors such as your age, health history, and severity of symptoms all play a role. At Complete Healthcare for Women, Dr. Richard Lorenzo and Kortney Jones, ARNP provide a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to menopause management and hormone therapy.
If you’re struggling with symptoms of menopause or wondering if estrogen therapy is right for you, we’re here to help.
Complete Healthcare for Women – Obstetrics and Gynecology
509-392-6700
Richard Lorenzo, D.O.
Kortney Jones, ARNP
