M e d i c i n e A v e n u e 1 2 "•T'^ipKrfiuU/ t*iivx4 fw V* th« fibr rttn Premarm (CONJUGATED ESTROGENS-equine) A growing trend There is a growing trend toward treating tltc menopause as an estrogen deficiency state.1* Tltc idea is not ness, of course, blit is the logical development of a theory expressed nearly 25'years ago by Dr. Fuller Albtight. a leading endocrinologist at Harvard Medical School. Albright and associates noted "the constant tend* ency of osteoporosis to occur in women after the menopause'' and the beneficial cllcct of estrogen therapy, and theorized that since the postmenopausal state was a common ctiologic factor in osteoporosis, this condition was somehow related to ovarian insufficiency.7 During the quarter of a century since Albright’s discovery, clinical experience has revealed that the distressing symptoms of the menopause and many metabolic disorders of the postmenopause are likewise related to failing ovarian function. It has also become widely recognized that early institution of adequate natural estrogen replacement therapy can provide prompt relief of physical and emotional distress. and protection against premature degenerative metabolic changes. In the opinion of one contemporary authority.4 estrogen replacement therapy has become accepted medical practice because "tin-re is a growing rcah/a- tion that it is both morally and medically justifiable to nuke what has become almost half of a woman's hie |the postmenopause1comfortable, healthy, and Avoid the consequences of estrogen deficiency Menopausal flashes, flushes, sweats, and palpitations are familiar findings readily related to shott term estrogen deficiency. Others include headache, insomnia. easy fatigability, and a psychologically negative attitude. But tlie consequences of prolonged estrogen deprivation are usually manifest in profound cosmetic and metabolic changes affecting the skin, the vaginal mucosa, bone, muscles and ligaments, causing the appeatance of a "dowager's hump" and progressive loss of height due to OkfCO porosis, as well as loss of natural protection again*! Coronary disease. Today, menopausal distress can be promptly relieved and the consequences of long tctrn ovarian invuflicicncy generally avoided, through the use of a continuing and cyclic estrogen replacement program to compensate for withdrawal of natural «.oscn tarctk*,. ta.ii.uol, ► 54
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