UNDERSTANDING THE ROLES OF ESTROGEN & PROGESTERONE

Estrogen and Progesterone and produced by the ovaries in the premenopausal woman, and they work together to thicken the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), to prepare it for possible implantation of a fertilized egg.

As a woman reaches menopause, the lowered and fluctuating levels of estrogen cause the typical menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes.  Estrogen also influences how the body uses calcium, and low levels of estrogen results in increased rates of bone loss, leading to osteoporosis.  Estrogen also helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and keeps the vaginal membranes moist and healthy.  Low levels of estrogens mean that cholesterol levels, as well as the corresponding risk of cardiovascular disease, increases after menopause.   The vaginal mucous membranes also become dry following menopause.

Progesterone reduces the risk of endometrial cancer.  Estrogen, if taken alone (without progesterone) in women with an intact uterus, would increase her risk of endometrial cancer.  In women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), estrogen can be taken on its own.

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