Is routine use of estrogen indicated in postmenopausal women? An affirmative view

A study of age-adjusted all causes of mortality has shown that estrogen nonusers are three times as likely to die of all causes compared with users. The benefit of estrogen is greatest in women who have had their ovaries removed, but benefit also occurs in those who have had a hysterectomy as well as those with intact pelvic organs. A recent British study also reported that women taking estrogen were less likely to die of all causes. Because of the many benefits of estrogen replacement therapy improving both the quality and quantity of life, all women who have this postmenopausal hormone deficiency, except possibly those who are obese, should receive estrogen replacement. The beneficial effects of estrogen replacement therapy are many and there are very few adverse effects.