What should be monitored when a patient is on long-term estrogen therapy?

• A. Cholesterol levels
• B. Bone density and cardiovascular health
• C. Liver function
• D. Thyroid function

Answer: (B)

Monitoring bone density and cardiovascular health is essential in patients undergoing long-term estrogen therapy due to the various effects estrogen has on these areas. Estrogen is known to play a significant role in maintaining bone density, and its deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women. By regularly assessing bone density, healthcare providers can gauge the effectiveness of the therapy in preventing bone loss and take appropriate interventions if necessary.

Furthermore, estrogen therapy has implications for cardiovascular health. It may impact factors such as lipid profiles and vascular function. Monitoring cardiovascular health is crucial because estrogen therapy can influence the risk of cardiovascular events. Assessing these parameters ensures that any potential adverse effects related to long-term therapy are identified early, allowing for timely adjustments to the treatment plan.

While monitoring cholesterol levels, liver function, and thyroid function are also important in the broader context of patient health, these factors are not as directly impacted by estrogen therapy as bone density and cardiovascular health. Thus, focusing on these metrics is central to ensuring the safe and effective use of long-term estrogen therapy.