DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:Estrogens occur in nature in
several
forms. In women with active menstrual cycles, the ovaries
produce between
70 and 500 micrograms of estradiol daily. This is converted to
estrone and
to a lesser extent estriol. After menopause, estrone is the
most active
circulating estrogen. (After menopause estrone is made in the
adrenal
glands.) Estrogens cause growth and development of female sex
organs and
maintain sex characteristics, including underarm and pubic hair
and the
shape of body contours and skeleton. Estrogens also increase
secretions
from the cervix and growth of the inner lining of the uterus
(endometrium). Estrogens reduce LDL-cholesterol ("bad"
cholesterol) and increase HDL-cholesterol ("good"
cholesterol)
concentrations in the blood. Estrogens, when taken alone or in
combination
with a progestin, have been shown to reduce the risk for hip
fracture due
to osteoporosis by 25%.
STORAGE: All forms should be stored between 15°
(59°F)
and 30°C (86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Estradiol is prescribed for symptomatic
treatment of the usual symptoms associated with menopause (hot
flashes,
vaginal dryness, etc.), prevention of bone fractures associated
with
osteoporosis, reduction of the risk of heart attacks and
strokes, and
dysfunctional (excessive and painful) uterine bleeding. The
vaginal cream
is prescribed for vaginal or vulvar atrophy associated with
menopause.
DOSING: Estradiol tablets are generally prescribed once
daily.
In some patients, a so-called cyclic regimen is used, wherein
estradiol is
given daily for 23 consecutive days, followed by 5 days of no
medication,
after which the cycle resumes.
The adhesive part of the patch should be applied to a dry,
hairless,
clean part of the trunk, but not on the breasts. It should not
be placed
onto irritated or damaged skin. Sites of application should be
rotated,
with at least one week between repeated applications to any one
site. The
patch should be applied immediately after removing the
protective layer,
and pressure should be applied to the patch when it is attached
for about
10 seconds.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Estrogens can inhibit the metabolism
of
cyclosporine, resulting in increased cyclosporine blood levels.
Such
increased blood levels can result in kidney and/or liver
damage. If this
combination cannot be avoided, cyclosporine concentrations can
be
monitored, and the dose of cyclosporine can be adjusted to
assure that its
blood levels are not elevated.
Estrogens appear to increase the risk of liver disease in
patients
receiving dantrolene through an unknown mechanism. Women over
35 years of
age and those with a history of liver disease are especially at
risk.
Estrogens increase the liver's ability to manufacture clotting
factors.
Because of this, patients receiving warfarin (Coumadin) need to
be
monitored for loss of anticoagulant (blood thinning) effect if
an estrogen
is added when warfarin is already being taken.
Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body, and is a building block for cell membranes and hormones. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol, conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol. High cholesterol treatment includes lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), and medications such as statins, bile acid resins, and fibric acid derivatives.
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the “change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies, and should be discussed with your physician.
Learn about osteoporosis, a condition characterized by the loss of bone density, which leads to an increased risk of bone fracture. Unless one experiences a fracture, a person may have osteoporosis for decades without knowing it. Treatment for osteoporosis may involve medications that stop bone loss and increase bone strength and bone formation, as well as quitting smoking, regular exercise, cutting back on alcohol intake, and eating a calcium- and vitamin D-rich balanced diet.
Vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy occurs in women during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. With vaginal atrophy, the lining of the vaginal wall becomes thinner, drier, less elastic, and light pink to bluish in color. Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, and/or pain during intercourse. Treatment options for vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy include hormone treatment and over-the-counter vaginal lubricating and moisturizing products.
Premature menopause is when a woman goes through menopause before the age of 40 because of genetics, illness, or a medical procedure. Symptoms of premature menopause include irregular or missed periods, mood swings, hot flashes, periods that are heavier or lighter than usual, vaginal dryness, bladder irritability, incontinence, dry skin, eyes or mouth, sleeplessness, and decreased sex drive. Though premature menopause cannot be reversed, the symptoms can be managed with methods similar to those used for natural menopause.
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
Vaginal atrophy is the medical term that refers to the thinning of the wall
of the vagina that occurs during menopause (the time when menstrual periods have
ceased) in women. Prior to menopause, the vaginal lining appears plump, bright
red, and moist. As estrogen levels decline, the lining of the vagina becomes
thinner, drier, light pink to bluish in color, and less elastic. This is a
normal change that is noticed by many perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Estrogen levels begin to fall as the menopause approaches. Estrogens are
mainly produced by the ovaries. Estrogens control the development of female body
characteristics such as the breasts, body shape, and body hair. Estrogens also
play a significant role in the regulation of the
menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can occur
earlier or later in life. The average age of me...
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