Are you going through menopause? Then you are probably familiar with the discomfort of sudden hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes. Today we are talking about a hormone therapy pill that is given during this time. After reading this, you will be able to get a better understanding of this medicine.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of hormones. That is, this pill contains small amounts of both the female hormone estrogen (Esterified Estrogens) and the male hormone testosterone (Methyltestosterone).
It is mainly used to control the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, as mentioned earlier. However, doctors may sometimes prescribe this medication for other conditions as well. So if you are unsure why you have been prescribed this medication, it is best to ask your doctor about it.
Things your doctor should know before starting this medication
This is very important. Before you start this medication, you should tell your doctor about your complete health history. Be sure to tell him/her about any of the following conditions, especially:
| Medical condition or history | Reason to be concerned |
|---|---|
| Cancer conditions | If you have had or currently have cancer in places such as the breast, cervix, uterus, ovaries, or liver. |
| Heart and blood vessel problems | Conditions such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blood clots in the blood vessels, and high cholesterol. |
| Other medical conditions | Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, gallbladder disease, migraine, dementia, SLE, elevated blood calcium levels. |
| Personal habits and other matters | If you smoke, have had a hysterectomy, or have unexplained vaginal bleeding. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to these hormones or any other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
How should I use this medicine?
This is a pill to take. Take this pill with a glass of water. Some people may feel nauseous after taking this. If this happens, take this pill with a meal.
The most important thing is to take your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed, at the exact time. Try to take your medicine at the same time every day if possible. Don't take more than your doctor tells you to, or take it more often.
When you are given this medicine, you will receive a patient package insert. Read it carefully, as the information in it may be updated frequently.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Treat this as an emergency.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
This hormone pill may interact with other medications, herbs, and vitamins you are taking. So tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.
| Never take this medicine with it! | |
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| You may react with these - tell your doctor. | |
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Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Regular medical checkups: While taking this medicine, you should see your doctor regularly to check your condition. It is essential to have regular breast exams and Pap smears . Also, talk to your doctor about how often you should have mammograms and do so accordingly.
- Fluid retention: This medicine may cause swelling in your fingers, hands, or ankles. It may also increase your blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you feel like you are retaining fluid.
- Pregnancy: If you think you may be pregnant, stop taking this medicine immediately and see your doctor.
- Smoking: This is very important.
- Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, see an ophthalmologist if you notice any changes in your vision or if you feel uncomfortable wearing the lenses.
- Risk of uterine cancer: This hormone therapy carries a small risk of developing a condition called endometrial hyperplasia, which can cause the lining of the uterus to thicken, which can lead to uterine cancer. To reduce this risk, if you have not had a hysterectomy, your doctor may recommend that you take another hormone (progestin) along with this medication. Talk to your doctor about this and make sure you understand the benefits and risks.
- Allergies (skin rash, itching, swelling)
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing
- Severe headache
- Vision changes
- Difficulty speaking or understanding
- Sudden numbness/weakness in the face, arm, or leg
- Leg pain, swelling, redness
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Breast changes (lumps, discharge)
- Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Dark urine, light stools
- Severe nausea, vomiting
- Hair loss
- Unusually increased hunger or thirst
- Frequent need to urinate
- Symptoms of vaginal infection (itching, abnormal discharge)
- Unusual fatigue
- This is a hormone treatment given to control the symptoms of menopause.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions.
- Take only the prescribed dose, at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, do not take two doses at the same time.
- If you smoke, the risk of heart attack and stroke is very high when taking this medicine.
- It is essential to have breast exams and Pap tests done on time.
- If you experience serious side effects or take too much medication, seek medical advice immediately.
- Feel free to discuss any questions or concerns you have about this medication with your doctor.
Remember, if you are a smoker, especially if you are over 35, your risk of blood clots or stroke is much higher while taking this medication. Therefore, it is advised to completely avoid smoking while taking this medication.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
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| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
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