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Estratest |
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What is Estratest and why is it prescribed? Estratest tablets quell the flushing, sweating, "hot flashes," and vaginal irritation that trouble three-quarters of all women when they reach menopause. Estratest works by replacing some of the estrogen that is lost when the reproductive system shuts down. Although it relieves the physical symptoms of menopause, it won't help emotional symptoms such as depression if the physical symptoms are absent. It combines supplemental estrogen with a synthetic form of the male hormone testosterone, and is prescribed when estrogen alone fails to relieve menopausal symptoms. Estrogen replacement therapy increases the risk of endometrial cancer. The higher the dose and the longer the treatment, the greater the risk. It's wise, therefore, to limit yourself to the smallest dose that provides relief, and to stop the treatment as soon as you can. It's also essential to have regular checkups and to report any unusual vaginal bleeding to your doctor immediately. How should you take Estratest? Follow your doctors directions for taking Estratest. Take Estratest cyclically, a dose a day for 3 weeks, then no tablets for 1 week. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However, if it almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Estratest at room temperature. Are there any Estratest side effects? Estratest side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Estratest side effects may include abdominal cramps, acne, allergic reactions, anxiety, bladder problems, bloating, breast discharge, breast swelling and tenderness, brown patches on the face, cervical changes, clotting disorders, deepening of the voice, depression, dizziness, enlarged clitoris, enlarged fibroids, gallbladder disease, hair loss on scalp, hair growth on face, headache, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, intolerance to contact lenses, liver disorders, menstrual problems, migraine, nausea, sex drive changes, skin eruptions, swelling, tingling, twitching, vaginal yeast infection, vision changes, vomiting, weight changes, and yellowing of skin and eyes. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Estratest? If Estratest is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Estratest with Blood thinners (such as Coumadin) or Insulin. Are there any special warnings about Estratest? Long-term estrogen replacement therapy definitely increases the risk of endometrial cancer and may increase the risk of breast cancer as well. If you have a family history of breast cancer, or if you have breast nodules or abnormal mammograms, be sure to have frequent breast exams. Estrogen replacement also increases the risk of gallbladder disease. Women who take birth control pills, which have the same effect, suffer an increase in gallbladder problems after 2 years of use. Estrogen replacement poses a slight theoretical danger of clotting disorders, and testosterone has been known to cause fluid retention and heart failure in people with heart, liver, or kidney disease. Take Estratest with caution if you have any of these conditions or have ever suffered a stroke. Also let the doctor know if you have asthma, epilepsy, migraines, or bone disease. Both estrogen and testosterone can cause liver problems, including benign tumors, cancers, and hepatitis. Be sure to report any pain, tenderness, or swelling in the abdomen to your doctor immediately. If you develop signs of liver disease such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, stop taking Estratest and see your doctor at once. Estrogen can cause an increase in blood pressure, so the doctor will monitor it closely. Estrogen also can raise blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, use Estratest cautiously. Estrogen therapy occasionally causes symptoms of hormonal overload, such as breast tenderness and excessive uterine bleeding. Estrogen can also foster an increase in the size of uterine fibroids and may increase the risk of mental depression. High doses of the testosterone in Estratest can cause a woman's voice to deepen and can promote the growth of facial hair. To prevent a permanent change, the hormone must be discontinued. Inform your doctor immediately if you develop hoarseness, acne, or hair on the face. Also report any nausea, vomiting, changes in skin color, or swelling in the ankles. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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