Benefits of Estrogen Cream for Women

Estrogen cream can be a game changer for women but there are risks and implications associated with it. Find out all about its benefits, risks & the correct way to use it. 

So many women suffer the harsh consequences of menopause - from insomnia to loss of sex drive to painful sex to the dreaded vaginal dryness, and many more symptoms. But it doesn't have to be like that - there are safer alternatives to hormone therapy that are easily available as well as very affordable.

One such over-the-counter alternative is offered in the form of estrogen cream. Estrogen cream is gaining lot of attention in the women's health arena and for very good reasons - it is easily available, is very affordable and it works! For such ease, affordability and it's effectiveness, we are going to discuss estrogen cream today and see how it can help you. So, let's start..

Importance of Estrogen in Women & Men -

In women, estrogen is a very important hormone. Estrogen is responsible for their feminine characteristics like healthy development of breasts, thick hair , vaginal lubrication, good libido, healthy sensation in vagina, healthy endometrium, regulating mensuration, fertility, pubic hair, armpit hair, healthy brain function, healthy bones & heart, and good night's sleep.

In men, estrogen is responsible for erectile function, healthy libido and in spermatogenesis. 

Besides this, estrogens are being used as birth control as well as in hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

How is Estrogen produced in the body? 

In women, estrogen is produced by ovaries, the fat tissues and the adrenal glands. In men, estrogen is produced by the adrenal glands and the testes. All the estrogen activity in the body is mediated by the estrogen receptors in the cells.

Different Types Of Estrogen -

 Estrogens are a steroid hormone (a steroid that acts and behaves like a hormone). Estrogens are considered as sex-steroids hormone. Besides the top 4 estrogens that we are going to discuss below, do note that there are also minor estrogens (like DHEA) and estrogen metabolites in the body.

All different forms of estrogens are synthesized from testosterone and androstenedione (both androgens) by the enzyme called as aromatase.

There are 3 different types of estrogen in females that regulate the estrogenic (estrogen-related) activities in the body. These are -
 
1. Estradiol (E2) - The most powerful and the most potent hormone in estrogen group. It is found in both men and women. Estradiol is also the most prevalent among all other estrogens in the body. This is the most dominant one during reproductive years and is the highest circulating type of estrogen in the body (per the serum levels as well as estrogenic activity). 

2. Estrone (E1) - This is found after menopause in the body and becomes the predominant one. 

3. Estriol (E3) - This is the pregnancy hormone, meaning it is the hormone that helps prepare the uterus for the new baby and helps in healthy delivery. It rises during the pregnancy and just before birth. Other than that, estriol is considered a very weak hormone.

4. Estetrol (E4) - Produced only during pregnancy, by the fetal liver. Considered a weak hormone. 


Different ways to increase Estrogen -

Foods - There are foods that can help the body increase healthy levels of estrogen if needed. These foods are called as phytoestrogen as they mimic the activity of estrogen in the body. Flax seeds, olives, olive oil, tofu & other soy products like soy milk, etc, sesame seeds, garlic, berries, edamame, dry fruits like dates, prunes, apricots, chia seeds, and nuts.

Vaginal Rings & Vaginal Creams - This is an estradiol vaginal insert, which is placed directly inside the vagina. But make note, while it is intended to replenish the estrogen levels in the women, it does come with a list of heavy side-effects like bloating, nausea, diarrhea, nipple discharge, and many more.

Vaginal creams like Premarin are not safe either. It comes with a list of issues and you need a doctor's prescription before using either options. Not to mention that it is one very unethical product made from impregnating mares to extract estrogen from their urine. I do not want to be treated like this - to be made pregnant on a rampage so some big pharma can profit and to be used for commercial reasons. Therefore, I will not treat anyone like that and hence, will NOT (and never) support such unethical products. 

OTC Estrogen Creams - This is a natural and much safer alternative to vaginal rings and pharmaceutical creams and drugs. This is the option we are going to discuss today. This is the bioidentical option in the form of estrogen cream. It is derived from wild yam plant. 

Benefits of Estrogen Cream - 

Vaginal Dryness & Vaginal Atrophy - It can be very painful for a women who has vaginal dryness due to the constant itching and burning caused by the dryness sensation. Vaginal atrophy results due to consistent dryness and the inability to use the muscles (as in sexual intercourse). This can have a detrimental effect on woman's self-esteem as well as her sense of her femininity. Ultimately, sex and pleasure become a far-off enjoyment, leading to loss of intimacy in life. Vaginal dryness, along with low estrogen, is also the culprit behind loss of sensation in the vagina. Estrogen cream can be a great help for such women - it helps in creating moisture in the vagina as estrogen is the hormones responsible for keeping the women's vagina lubricated. This is why estrogen cream is a great, natural, and safe remedy for vaginal dryness and atrophy.

Insomnia - Not sleeping well is one big issue for women who either have low estrogen or who have arrived at menopause. Feeling tired all the time and having chronic exhaustion due to lack of sleep will only lead to chronic inflammation - sooner or later. Sleep is the platform over which good health is built upon. Estrogen cream helps increase the good estrogen and when, paired with progesterone, will help you get back to proper, deep restful sleep at night. 

Hot Flashes & Night Sweats - If you have hot flashes, estrogen cream is your best friend! It has been proven very effective against hot flashes, so give it a try and sleep well at night! No more hot flashes!

Weight Gain & Water Weight - Many women gain excess weight, only to think it is their diet patterns leading them to this weight gain. Even when one is eating a very healthy diet, the weight is on the rise and on top of that, does not come off despite regular exercise. What's the culprit? Low estrogen levels. The body retains the water weight and this is what adds on to the ever increasing scale, creating a horrible dilemma in the woman's mind. No amount of diuretics will change that - only increasing the healthy levels of estrogen will help. This is where your estrogen cream can be a God sent! With the help of the estrogen cream, you will shed those excess pounds and expel the excess water. Estradiol is the hormone that regulates the metabolism and body weight and when the body get enough estradiol, via the cream, it sheds the weight.

Hair Loss - It is hard for women when their beauty locks start falling by the millions! Could low estrogen be the reason? Seems like it could be the reason as estrogen is the hormone that gives our hair and skin thickness and beauty. Women who go through peri- and post- menopause report having severe hair fall but all this changes when they start using estrogen cream. When the body gets enough estrogen, it resumes the hair health and hair stops falling. 

Joint & Muscle Pain - As women age and estrogen levels fall, many women complain of joint or knee pain. In a study of over 10,000 women who were all post-menopausal and have had hysterectomy, it was reported that after 1 year of estrogen therapy, the women had less frequency of pain than the placebo group. 

Healthier Skin - Estrogen cream helps in improving the thickness and the firmness of the skin. This is because Estriol is the hormone that supports the suppleness of the skin. It also helps get rid of the dry skin that is very common due to low levels of estrogen in the body. Many report that using estrogen cream has helped them get rid of acne and wrinkles. 

Better Mood & Energy - While researching for this topic and reading many women's feedback results after using estrogen cream, it was clear that estrogen helped them with better mood, better energy, more mental clarity and feeling of well being. It was also noted many times that it helped lower anxiety and many women said bye-bye to brain fog! What could be more better than reading real results from real people? This is more vital than research - it is not "controlled" and there is no bias. Of course, results may vary but this is something powerful to learn and apply! 

Healthier Sex Drive & Lubrication - As we discussed in point #1, estrogen lubricates the vaginal walls, which in turn leads to better sex drive and the return of pleasure-sensation. 

UTI & PCOS Help - It has been found that estrogen helps protect against the urinary tract infection by helping trigger antibacterial proteins in the bladder. Estrogen also helped tighten the surface layer of bladder cells, which in turn helped protect the bladder from infection. Other benefit of estrogen cream comes in normalizing the hormones, especially, when used with progesterone, to help pcos (polycystic ovary syndrome) sufferers.

What is the correct way to apply the Estrogen Cream?

Estrogen cream should be applied where the skin is thin so that it can get absorbed easily into the body. Usually, inner thighs or inner arms are best options for applying the cream. This protects the cream from being washed off before it is absorbed and due to thinner skin, it is not wasted and rather absorbed into the bloodstream. Another point to remember is that you should apply the cream after bath so that it is not washed off. 

Estrogen cream is also applied directly on the vaginal area - mainly, the vulva. This is especially for those suffering from vaginal dryness and loss of sensation. But your cream will come with the directions so just follow the pamphlet and if needed, call the company and talk to a rep. Your doctor can also guide you or you can work with a holistic coach to be sure. 

How long before I see the benefits?

Results usually take 3 to 4 months but this is very subjective - meaning, it depends from person to person. Someone might see results immediately while another person may take a few months before results show up.

It also depends on how healthy your body was or in other words, how your life style habits were before using the cream. Are you following a rich, colorful, plant-based diet that is fresh, organic and home-made? Or, are you piling up on sick animal food made with refined oils and sugar and excess hormones and sold in plastic bottles (dairy milk) or plastic freezer packages (meat, processed foods)? Are you living a natural lifestyle with NO drugs or are you dependent on your drug cabinet to function from day to day? 

Dosage & frequency? 

Your doctor should check your hormone levels before you start your cream to make sure you are on the right track. Other than that, your cream will come with dosage directions. As for frequency, it will depend on the number and severity of your issues, so working with a knowledgeable holistic doctor or health coach will be the best guide. 

Note that often when starting a hormonal cream, you might have to increase or decrease the quantity before you see results. Sometimes, a particular brand may not work for you, so instead of giving up, choose and try another brand and see if that helps. 

Pairing your Estrogen Cream w/Progesterone and/or DHEA - 

You are generally advised to use your estrogen bioidentical cream with progesterone and that is because it is progesterone hormone that balances the estrogen in the female body. Sometimes, people also pair it with DHEA cream - work with a good holistic practitioner or integrative doctor to see what your hormone levels are and what combination will work best for your body. 

Who should NOT use the estrogen cream?

Estrogen cream should NOT be used by anyone who has/had hormone sensitive cancer. 

Effect of vaginal estrogen cream on males -

Estrogen is a feminizing hormone; It will create breasts (gynecomastia) in men. It can also lead to erectile dysfunction and loss of libido as well as low sperm count. This is all due to the fact IF the estrogen (estradiol) levels rise too high in the male body, especially in comparison to testosterone. Therefore, if you are in a relationship, make sure you note the next point.

Sex & Your husband/male partner -

As we discussed above, estrogen creates feminizing effects on men. This is important to learn and keep in mind since if having sex, a male counterpart should NOT come in contact with women's vagina if estrogen cream has been applied there. It is best to always avoid estrogen cream application before sex. In one study, it was found that such contact increased the estradiol levels in men.

If anything, you can apply it after sex. Also make note to apply the cream when you will NOT be in contact physically with your male partner during the day. Apply the cream in areas where physical contact is less - inner arms, inner thighs, etc. 

Which brand/cream you recommend?

ESTROGEN CREAM -

Emerita 4 oz Estrogen Cream 

Smoky Mountain 3.5 ox Estrogen Cream - PARABEN FREE

PROGESTERONE CREAM -

Emerita Progesterone Cream - 4 oz

DHEA CREAM - 

Emerita DHEA Cream - 4 oz

END NOTE: This is all about how bioidentical estrogen hormone can be of benefit to you. Remember to always do your research and discuss with your doctor or health coach. Eat a healthy plant-based diet and sleep well to naturally support your body in regulating your hormones. Drinking fresh juices and a diet rich in nuts, seeds, fruits, veggies should always be the first mechanism of cure - always.

If all else fails, use this article as an excellent guide for your next self-care steps - that of using the bioidentical creams. Good luck and happy hormones to you! References (1), (2), (3)

Help Your Loved Ones! - If this article has helped you, then please share with your loved ones! They can only be thankful that you shared! Post on FB and send via email and ask them to join the newsletter. 

Questions or Comments? - Plz. do NOT e-mail me with any questions or comments regarding this article - post it in the comment section below and I will reply there only.

-Somyata.

Next Article - Progesterone Cream & It's Benefits for Men & Women