Available Treatment for Symptoms
Most treatments for Oestrogen deficiency symptoms are forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), even those claiming to be "natural alternatives". This is for the very logical reason that the symptoms come about because the oestrogen receptors in the different tissues of the body are not being stimulated by oestrogen. To cure the symptoms one must stimulate these receptors.
Natural human Oestrogens (oestradiol the active human form of oestrogen, oestrone, the storage form, or oestriol, the pregnancy form) all have this effect and are used in various chemical versions, with many different doses and delivery systems being used.
The original oestrogen used for HRT was Ethinyl Oestradiol, the "pill" oestrogen which has a longer duration of effect than normal oestrogens. Horse oestrogens were the original "natural" oestrogens used, and are still in common use. Plant oestrogen like chemicals called Phytoestrogens are much less potent, and are available in many foods, or as concentrates.
SERMS, or chemicals which specifically stimulate oestrogen receptors in specific organs, can be used to stop some of the unwanted effects of oestrogens.
The main unwanted effect of oestrogens (including phytoestrogens) is stimulation of the uterine lining, This can lead to instability resulting in bleeding, lining overgrowth (hyperplasia) or, in extreme cases, cancer. For that reason, all oestrogen therapy should include a method of avoiding this. This is usually achieved by one of the progesterone like agents given in combination unless the womb has been removed. The exceptions are the SERMS with no uterine stimulating effect.
Delivery systems include the obvious ones (tablets and capsules orally), and patches for skin absorption, but also creams, gels, sniffers and lozenges or troches.
Non hormonal treatments are usually aimed at hot flushes and are mostly medications that effect brain or blood vessel activity. Unfortunately, they are less commonly adequate.
