Like it or hate it, take it or leave it, estrogen is the only government approved drug therapy in the United States and Canada for treating menopause-related symptoms. Here are a few things every Red Hot Mama should know about hormone therapy.

First, the terms:
Drugs that contain estrogen are divided into two categories:
ET for Estrogen Therapy. These contain estrogen only.
EPT for estrogen-progesterone therapy.
HT stands for hormone therapy and can refer to either ET or EPT.
HRT stands for hormone replacement therapy but it isn't currently used as much.

Now the estrogen types:
There are four types of estrogens.

1. Human Estrogens. There are three human estrogens – estradiol, also called 17β-estradiol, is the strongest one. Estrone is 50-70% less active. Estriol is 10% as active as estradiol. Estradiol is the only government approved single-estrogen product.
2. Non-Human Estrogen. These are also called conjugated estrogens or CE. These are a mixture of at least 10 estrogens obtained from natural sources, typically, the urine of pregnant mares. Their effects are caused by the sum of the 10 or more estrogens.
3. Synthetic Estrogens. These are manufactured in chemical plants and resemble human and non-human estrogens.
4. Plant-Based Estrogens. These are also called phytoestrogens. Some act like an estrogen and others act like an anti-estrogen, depending on which part of the body the phytoestrogens affects. These are not prescription hormones.

Whether or not to take estrogen and or progesterone is a very personal decision that needs to be individualized. For those of you considering HT, I strongly suggest you have a detailed discussion with your healthcare provider.

In order to help you prepare for that discussion and to help you get the most out of your visit, I've written an E-book on estrogen and progesterone to serve as your guide. I'm offering it FREE to Karen's Red Hot Mamas as a special gift. Click here for FREE instant access and download this hormone guide E-book now.

About the Author Selected by his peers as one of the Best Doctors in America, Doctor Seibel brings innovation to health education, focusing on creative approaches to help America stay well. He is a national expert in helping women in and around menopause improve their symptoms including sleep, stress, diabetes and weight control. In addition to patient care, Doctor Seibel does corporate consulting, speaking, workshops, and coaching. He created HealthRock^®, his unique brand of making health education fun and memorable. Doctor Seibel teaches people the health information they need and the perspective they require to stay well. “It’s better to stay well than to get well.” Find out more about Dr. Seibel at his website www.doctorseibel.com and the Red Hot Mamas advisory board of healthcare professionals.

Learn more about managing menopause symptoms.