Oestrogen Replacement for Women
Oestrogen Replacement for Women
Oestrogen replacement refers to supplementing the body’s natural oestrogen levels, usually through Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This can help manage symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes, brain fog, joint pain, and vaginal dryness.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Liz Andrew
BMS Accredited Menopause Doctor
Reviewed: 19/02/2025 Published: 21/02/2025
Oestrogen Replacement for Women
For many women, oestrogen provides long-term health benefits, including supporting bone and heart health. Oestrogen is primarily produced in the ovaries, but small amounts are also made in the adrenal glands and fat tissue.
As women approach menopause, the ovaries gradually stop producing oestrogen. This transition, known as perimenopause, can start years before periods stop completely. Once menopause occurs (defined as 12 months without a period), oestrogen levels remain low, which is why symptoms can persist for years.
Benefits of Oestrogen
There are oestrogen receptors in almost every cell of the body. That means when oestrogen levels decline as a result of menopause, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms across the whole mind and body, There are over 40 symptoms of menopause. Here are some of the key ones that oestrogen replacement (as part of HRT) can help with:
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Low mood, anxiety, and irritability
- Fatigue and low energy
Learn more about your treatment options
Book a complementary discovery call with our patient expert Jane James. Jane can help you by:
- Explaining the clinical pathway and how oestrogen can be prescribed through Menopause Care
- Offering guidance as to whether you may benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Share personal insight and other patient experiences of testosterone treatment (non-clinical advice)
- Offering compassionate support and a safe, confidential space to openly discuss your concerns
Key information about Oestrogen replacement
Oestrogen is primarily made in the ovaries. Smaller amounts are also produced by the adrenal glands and fat tissue. During pregnancy, the placenta becomes a major source of oestrogen.
There’s no strong evidence that oestrogen HRT causes weight gain. Many women notice changes in weight during perimenopause, but this is due to hormonal shifts, ageing, and lifestyle factors rather than HRT itself. Sometimes, when women start HRT they can experience bloating as a side effect. This can make women feel as if they have gained weight. However, this is a side effect and should settle within the first few months. In fact, HRT may help with body fat distribution by reducing the increase in abdominal fat linked to menopause.
"Oestrogen" is the UK spelling, while "Estrogen" is the American spelling. Both refer to the same hormone.
Yes, an imbalance of oestrogen—whether too high or too low—can affect mood. While declining oestrogen is often linked to anxiety in menopause, excessive oestrogen (especially without enough progesterone to balance it) may also contribute to symptoms like restlessness, irritability, or feeling on edge.
Excess oestrogen can sometimes cause:
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Mood changes (such as anxiety or irritability)
- Heavier periods (if still menstruating)
If you are experiencing these symptoms on HRT, it is worth discussing your oestrogen dosage and balance with your doctor.
It depends. If you still have your uterus, you need progesterone alongside oestrogen to protect the womb lining from overgrowth, which could increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Progesterone can be provided orally with capsules and tablets, vaginally with pessaries or via the mirena coil.
However, if you have had a hysterectomy, oestrogen can be taken on its own without progesterone.
Yes, for many women, oestrogen can improve sleep. It helps regulate body temperature (reducing night sweats), supports mood, and can prevent the mid-night wake-ups often linked to menopause. However, if sleep issues persist, other factors like stress, diet, or lifestyle may need to be considered.
Vaginal oestrogen is a low-dose form of oestrogen applied directly to the vagina. It’s used to treat symptoms like dryness, discomfort during sex, and recurrent urinary infections. Unlike systemic HRT, vaginal oestrogen mainly stays in the local area and doesn’t significantly affect overall hormone levels.
