esterified estrogens Health Article

Generic name(s):

esterified estrogens

Brand name(s):

Estratab, Menest

What is the most important information I should know about esterified estrogens?

Esterified estrogens increase the risk of developing a condition (endometrial hyperplasia) that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins, another hormone drug, with esterified estrogens lowers the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, if your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take together with the estrogen. Visit your doctor regularly and report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

Have yearly physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while taking esterified estrogens.

Do not take esterified estrogens if you are pregnant.

What are esterified estrogens?

Estrogen is a female sex hormone necessary for many processes in the body.

Esterified estrogens are naturally occurring female sex hormones that are used to treat symptoms of menopause; deficiency in ovary function (including underdevelopment of female sexual characteristics and some types of infertility); some types of breast cancer in men and in postmenopausal women; degeneration of the vagina; and urethra and prostate cancer. In addition, esterified estrogens are used to prevent osteoporosis.

Esterified estrogens may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take esterified estrogens?

Do not take esterified estrogens without first talking to your doctor if you have

• a circulation, bleeding, or blood-clotting disorder;

• undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding; or

• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.

Taking esterified estrogens may be dangerous in some cases if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Before taking esterified estrogens, tell your doctor if you have

• high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease;

• high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood;

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;

• asthma;

• epilepsy;

• migraines;

• diabetes;

• depression;

• gallbladder disease;

• uterine fibroids; or

• had a hysterectomy (uterus removed).

You may not be able to take esterified estrogens, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Esterified estrogens are in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that esterified estrogens will cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy. Esterified estrogens may decrease milk flow and have other effects on milk composition. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take esterified estrogens?

Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take esterified estrogens with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

Try to take every dose at the same time each day. You may be taking it every day, or you may be taking it every day for 3 weeks with 1 week off each month to mimic your body's natural cycle. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

If you are taking esterified estrogens to treat cancer, you may be taking it several times a day in very large doses.

Have yearly physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while taking esterified estrogens.

Store esterified estrogens at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.