Estrogen Directory
Estrogen hormones are responsible for female sexual development and function, such as breast development and the menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels rise and fall throughout the month, and then gradually wane as menopause approaches. Estrogen replacement therapy is sometimes prescribed at this point for depression and vaginal dryness. Studies have shown estrogen protects against nerve damage and brittle bones, but it also seems to play a role in endometriosis and certain female cancers. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about estrogen, the role estrogen hormones play in female sexual development, how estrogen hormones affect mood and physical health, and much more.
Medical Reference
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Estrogen and Women's Emotions
Estrogen is linked to mood disruptions that occur only in women -- PMS, PMDD, postpartum depression, and depression linked to menopause. WebMD examines how the hormone may affect emotions.
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Estrogens
An estrogen test measures the level of the most important estrogen hormones (estradiol, estriol, and estrone) in a blood or urine sample.
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The Pros and Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy
WebMD looks at the pros and cons of using hormone replacement therapy - and alternative therapies - for symptoms of menopause.
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Sleep and Menopause
WebMD explains how menopause and symptoms of menopause like hot flashes can affect your sleep and what to do about it.
Features
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Sally Field: An Osteoporosis Story
Sally Field, an actress known for playing strong women, tells of her battle against a bone-thinning disease.
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HRT: Revisiting the Hormone Decision
It's been 5 years since studies proclaimed hormone replacement therapy a danger for women. WebMD investigates today’s changes and tells you what you need to know to make the HRT decision now.
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Managing Menopause Symptoms Post-HRT
Post-HRT, what are women doing to manage menopause symptoms? And are compounded bioidenticals safe?
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Hormone Replacement Therapy
A few years ago, the use of hormone replacement therapy looked like a medical mess. For decades, women were told that HRT -- usually a combination of estrogen and progestin -- was good for them during and after menopause. Then, the 2002 results of the Women's Health Initiative study seemed to show just the opposite: hormone replacement therapy actually had life-threatening risks.