Weighing Estrogen Replacement, Cancer Risk

I am one of those women who takes estrogens and progestins to treat my severe menopausal symptoms, so I was very interested to read your coverage of the hormone/cancer connection (“Weigh Hormones’ Risk, Experts Urge” by Janny Scott, Aug. 4).

Let me just say that without estrogen I would be a basket case. I could not work and would have to apply for disability. One thing the article did not mention is that estrogen is also a mental tonic. Without it, I suffer from low mental acuity and inability to concentrate, severe hair loss, healing of something as small as a paper cut is very slow. I feel that there is more to estrogen and other hormones for women that our esteemed medical profession is aware of. So, I will take my chances and would rather enjoy some quality of life even if it means having a short life due to potential onset of a cancer.

JOY ZETTERLING

Los Angeles