You asked, we answered: Do I need to take estrogen and progesterone after menopause?

Question:

Do menopausal women need to take estrogen and progesterone?

Answer by OB-GYN Kelsie Cabrera, DO:

It depends on your situation. Not all women need, want or are candidates for estrogen therapy.

Estrogen can reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. If you have a uterus, you'll likely need to take progesterone along with the estrogen. Estrogen without progesterone increases the risk of uterine cancer. 

The estrogen and progesterone combination has benefits and risks:

• Decreases risk of osteoporosis, colon cancer and all-cause mortality
• Increases risk for breast cancer, stroke and cardiovascular disease

These risks are different for women that only require estrogen (patients without a uterus). Your OB-GYN can explain potential treatments for menopausal symptoms and recommend the best option for you.