Estrogen Drugs Double Alzheimer's Risk

By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph.

QUESTION: My memory is slipping -- I can't recall where I put my purse or sunglasses. This happens all day long. I'm scared I have Alzheimer's and I'm only 35. All I take is estradiol once a day and a B vitamin.

ANSWER: Don't freak out yet; it's probably not Alzheimer's. This sort of thing happens to many women who take estrogen-containing drugs. But you will need to address the estrogen issue. A study has confirmed that these drugs can double your risk for getting Alzheimer's later in life.

It's crucial that you talk to your gynecologist to make sure you really need the estrogen. Ask her if you can take bio-identical forms (which match the body's hormone), because they have fewer side effects. Next, ask if you might take progesterone as well. You might have estrogen dominance, which means that you have too much estrogen relative to progesterone. Progesterone can bring balance back, and it's sold over the counter at health food stores for about $20. Progesterone is known to lift brain fog and other pre-menopausal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, PMS and endometriosis.

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