Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Estrogens are one of the two major classes
of female hormones. (Progestins comprise the second major class). Estrogens are
used primarily to treat the symptoms of menopause and states in which there is a
deficiency of estrogen, for example, in women who have had their ovaries
removed. Conjugated estrogens are a mixture of several different estrogens
(estrogen salts) that are derived from natural sources and blended to
approximate the composition of estrogens in the urine of pregnant horses. The
main components are sodium estrone sulphate and sodium equilin sulfate.
Estrogens have widespread effects on many tissues in the body. Estrogens cause
growth and development of the female sexual organs and maintain female sexual
characteristics such as the growth of underarm and pubic hair, body contours, and
skeleton. Estrogens also increase secretions from the cervix and growth of the
inner lining of the uterus (endometrium).
PRESCRIPTION: Yes.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No.
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 0.3, 0.45, 0.625, 0.9, and 1.25 mg. Vaginal
cream: 0.625 mg per gm of cream. Injection: 25 mg per vial
STORAGE: Conjugated estrogen tablets and cream should be stored at
room temperature, between 15-30 C (59-86 F). The injection should be stored
between 2-8 C (36-46 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Conjugated estrogens are used for treating the
symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and vaginal
atrophy. If used solely for treating vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy, the
cream is preferred. They also are used as therapy when the body does not produce
enough estrogen due to female castration (removal of the ovaries), ovarian
failure or underdevelopment of hormone-secreting organs (hypogonadism).
Conjugated estrogens also are used for treating advanced prostate cancer in
selected men and women with
metastatic breast cancer. Although estrogens are
approved for preventing osteoporosis, other non-estrogen medications are
preferred for this purpose. Intravenous conjugated estrogens are used for
treating abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance.
DOSING: To minimize side effects, the lowest effective oral dose of
conjugated estrogens is used. The usual starting dose for treating symptoms
associated with menopause and for preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis is 0.3
mg/day. The dose should be increased based on response.
Conjugated estrogens may
be administered continuously or in a cyclical fashion (i.e., 25 days on
treatment then 5 days off treatment).
Hypogonadism is treated cyclically with
doses of 0.3 mg or 0.625 mg daily for 25 days followed by 5 days off treatment.
The dose for women who have had their ovaries removed or have ovarian failure is 1.25 mg
daily for three weeks followed by one week off treatment. In reality, most women
take estrogens continuously since during the week off treatment, symptoms return
because of the lack of estrogen.
For treatment of
breast cancer, the recommended
dose is 10 mg daily for three months. Abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal
imbalance is treated with one 25 mg intravenous or intramuscular injection.
Another injection may be given in 6-12 hours if needed.
The vaginal cream is
used for treating vulvar and vaginal atrophy, and the recommended dose is ½ to 2
g daily.
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.
Pseudotumor Cerebri (intracranial hypertension) is a condition where there is an increase in pressure of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) mimicing a brain tumor. The cause is unknown. The most common symptom is headache but also include eye-pain, vision loss and double vision. Pseudotumor cerebri is diagnosed with MRI or CAT scans and treated by discontinuing offending medications (if applicable), weight loss and diuretic medications. The condition can also be helped by repeated drainage of spinal fluid using the lumbar puncture.
High cholesterol is also referred to as hypercholesterolemia (hyper=high +
cholesterol + emia = in the blood) or hyperlipidemia
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is an important part of the outer
lining of cells in the body of animals.
Cholesterol is also found in the blood circulation of humans.
Cholesterol in the blood originates from dietary intake and liver
production.
Dietary cholesterol comes primarily from animal sources including meat,
poultry, fish, and dairy products.
Organ meats such as liver, are especially high in cholesterol content.
LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called "bad" cholesterol,
because elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk
of coronary heart disease.
HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called the "good cholesterol"
because HDL cholesterol particles pre...
Menopause RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the