Menopause is a natural stage in every woman's life. However, the changes that come with it can be a bit difficult to bear at times. You may have experienced things like sudden sweating (hot flashes), insomnia, and emotional discomfort. At a time like this, your doctor may have talked to you about hormone replacement therapy. One such treatment is Esterified Estrogens. Let's talk about this simply and clearly.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Esterified Estrogens are a type of pill that contains estrogen, a female hormone. It is mainly prescribed as a remedy for problems that occur when our body's natural estrogen levels decrease.
There are several main uses for this medicine:
- Postmenopausal discomforts: Control symptoms, especially hot flashes.
- Prevents bone thinning: This medicine helps prevent osteoporosis, a bone thinning disease that can occur with menopause.
- For women with low hormone levels: Some women naturally have low estrogen levels in their bodies. This is also prescribed for such women.
- After Ovarian Cyst Removal: If your ovaries have been surgically removed, this is also given as a treatment for the resulting hormone deficiency.
- For some cancers: This medicine can also be used to treat some types of cancer, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to discuss your complete health history with your doctor without hiding anything. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following conditions:
| Health status | What you need to inform |
|---|---|
| Cancer history | If you have had or currently have breast, cervical, uterine, ovarian, or liver cancer. |
| Blood and heart problems | Diseases of the blood vessels, blood clots, heart disease, recent heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. |
| Gynecological problems | Abnormal vaginal bleeding, not having had a hysterectomy. |
| Other illnesses | Diseases such as diabetes, gallbladder disease, liver disease, kidney disease, migraine, dementia, high blood calcium levels, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). |
| Habits and allergies | If you smoke, have an allergic reaction to hormones, other medications, foods, or dyes. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How should I use this medicine?
Swallow this tablet with a glass of water. Take only the prescribed dose, exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day. This will help you remember to take your medicine less often. Do not take more medicine than your doctor tells you to.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. Do not give this medicine to a friend who has the same symptoms as you. Everyone's health is different.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, 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.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you have any suspicion that you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with this hormone pill. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
In particular, the following medications should not be taken with this medicine:
- Aromatase inhibitors such as aminoglutethimide, anastrozole, and exemestane.
There may also be problems with the following:
- Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
- Carbamazepine
- Antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin
- Grapefruit juice
- Medicines for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole
- Medicines such as rifampin and ritonavir
- The herb St. John's Wort
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
You need to take a little extra care of your body while taking this medicine.
Regular medical checkups
When taking this treatment, it is essential to see your doctor at regular intervals . You will usually need to have a breast exam, a Pap smear, and a pelvic exam. Also, talk to your doctor about whether and how often you should have mammograms, and follow his or her instructions.
Water retention and smoking
This medicine can sometimes cause water retention in the body, swelling of the hands, feet, fingers, and ankles. It can also increase blood pressure. If you experience this, tell your doctor.
A very important warning: Smoking while taking this medicine greatly increases your risk of blood clots and stroke. This risk is especially high if you are over 35 years of age. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you completely avoid smoking while taking this treatment.
Risks related to the uterus
If your uterus has not been removed by surgery (hysterectomy), long-term use of estrogen-only pills can cause the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to thicken excessively. This is called endometrial hyperplasia. This can lead to a small risk of developing uterine cancer. To reduce this risk, your doctor may prescribe another hormone called progestin along with estrogen pills. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about this.
What side effects can you see?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
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| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
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Take-Home Message
- Esterified Estrogens are an important medication that can help with many problems related to menopause, but they should only be used under medical advice.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about your complete health history, other medications you are taking, and any allergies you may have.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as chest pain, sudden numbness, severe headache, or unusual bleeding, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid smoking completely while taking this medicine. It can cause serious health risks.
- Protect your health by attending regular medical checkups.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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