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Hormone Therapy With Estratest

Hormone therapy (HRT) for women during and after menopause usually involves taking small does of estrogen in some form. Estratest is one of the widely used forms of HRT, usually for short term relief of symptoms. It is made up of two substances, the female hormone (estrogen) and a male hormone (methyltestosterone).

  1. Symptons and Dosage

    • Estratest is available in oral form and is taken once a day for 21 days, followed by seven days of no medication. After that, the cycle starts again. It can reduce the flushing and sweating of hot flashes, as well as dryness, itching, and burning around the vagina. It is a good idea to take it after eating, to prevent stomach upset. It is prescribed when estrogen alone fails to relieve menopausal symptoms and works better on physical than emotional symptoms.

      Most doctors will start a patient on the lowest dose and see how it works for each person. Taking Estratest (or any other form of estrogen ) without progesterone can increase the risk of precancerous or cancerous changes in the uterus, so your doctor should combine it with a progestin prescription appropriate for you.

    Side Effects

    • As with all HRT medication, there can be side effects with Estratest including dizziness, light-headedness, headache, breast tenderness, nausea, bloating as well as stomach upset and weight changes. Sometimes there is also increased or decreased interest in sex. Some women may experience signs of masculinization from methyltestosterone. If you experience hoarseness, facial hair growth, acne or menstrual period changes, consult your doctor right away. There can also be interactions with other medications like blood thinners and insulin. If you are taking barbiturates, thyroid or seizure medications, Estratest is contraindicated. Be sure to let your doctor know about all medications you are taking before starting Estratest.

    Precautions and Alternatives

    • As with all HRT treatments, there is risk of it contributing to heart disease, blood clots in the legs, stroke and liver disease. Other conditions when your doctor should not prescribe Estratest include vaginal bleeding, breast cancer and cancer of the uterus or ovaries.

      Since estrogen can cause increases in blood pressure, you need to have that monitored carefully by your doctor. Estrogen can also raise blood sugar levels, so anyone with diabetes needs to use it very cautiously and monitor levels often.

      If you have uncomfortable side effects or Estratest is not working, ask your doctor about an alternative medication.There are many other medications combining estrogen with other substances, also prescribed for relief of menopausal symptoms. They come in oral form like Estratest and also in creams, sprays, tablets and skin patches.

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