Rifampin, barbiturates, carbamazepine (Tegretol), griseofulvin,
phenytoin (Dilantin) and primidone, can all increase the
elimination of
estrogen by enhancing the liver's ability to metabolize it.
Concurrent use
may result in reduction of the beneficial effects of
estrogens.
PREGNANCY: Estrogens are contraindicated during
pregnancy due to
an increased risk of fetal abnormalities.
NURSING MOTHERS: Estrogens are secreted in milk and
cause
unpredictable effects in the infant. Estrogens generally should
not be
used by women if they are breast-feeding.
SIDE EFFECTS: Among the most
common endocrine side effects are break-through bleeding or spotting, loss of
periods or excessively prolonged periods, breast pain, breast enlargement, and changes
in
sexuality (increase or decrease in libido). Abdominal pain may
indicate
the development of gallstones or occasionally hepatitis.
Migraine
headaches have been associated with estrogen therapy. Estrogens
can cause
sodium and fluid retention. Melasma, tan or brown patches, may
develop on
the forehead, cheeks, or temples. These may persist even after
the
estrogen is stopped. Conjugated estrogens may cause an increase
in the
curvature of the cornea. Patients with contact lenses may
develop
intolerance to their lenses.
Blood clots are an occasional but serious adverse effect and
are
dose-related. (The higher the dose, the more likely the clots.)
Cigarette
smokers are at a higher risk for clots, and, therefore,
patients requiring
estrogen therapy are strongly encouraged to quit smoking.
Estrogens can promote a buildup of the uterine lining
(endometrial
hyperplasia) and increase the risk of endometrial carcinoma. At
diagnosis,
endometrial cancers in estrogen recipients are generally of an
earlier
stage and a lower grade. Survival is also is better in women
exposed to
estrogens than in those not exposed to estrogens. The addition
of a
progestin to estrogen therapy prevents endometrial
carcinoma.
Conflicting data exists on the association between
estrogens and breast cancer. There may be a small increase in risk. The effect of
concomitant
progestin therapy on the risk of estrogen-induced breast
carcinoma is
unclear.
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.
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