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Ethinyl Estradiol and Menopause

As women age, they enter into a period known as menopause--the cessation of their menstrual cycles and reproductive capabilities. Generally, this period involves a dramatic reduction of the hormone estrogen. This reduction in estrogen can result in hot flashes and other unpleasant symptoms. Ethinyl estradiol, a synthetic (man made) hormone, is sometimes prescribed to address this estrogen deficiency and its resulting symptoms.

  1. Menopause Defined

    • Menopause is a natural biological period generally experienced by women sometime after the age of 40. Around age 51 is the average in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic, but it can occur earlier. The period is marked with symptoms that can include erratic menstrual cycles, mood swings, hot flashes, chills, night sweats and a decrease in fertility.

    Menopause Symptoms

    • In addition to the symptoms detailed earlier, menopause can produce sleep disturbances, an increase in the fat carried in their abdominal area, vaginal dryness, thinning hair and a marked decrease in breast fullness. In addition, some women may also experience depression as they exit their childbearing years.

    Estrogen and Ethinyl Estradiol

    • Estrogen, the principal hormone in female sexuality, declines greatly during the period of menopause, resulting in many menopause-related symptoms. Doctors sometimes prescribe a synthetic estrogen in order to reduce such symptoms and ease the transition from the childbearing years to this phase of a woman's life. Ethinyl estradiol is one such synthetic hormone sometimes prescribed.

    Ethinyl Estradiol

    • According to Inchem.org, ethinyl estradiol is a synthetic steroid derived in part from estrone, another female sexual reproduction hormone. It has many uses in addition to the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Some of these are female hypogonadism, female acne and Turners syndrome (a condition in which young female children have missing parts of one sexual chromosome; or the entire chromosome is missing altogether).

    Side Effects

    • Some side effects are possible with the use of ethinyl estradiol. They can water and sodium retention, liver impairment, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eye whites), a reduction in libido and headache. Depression, dizziness and glucose intolerance are also possible side effects of this drug's use, as well as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes and eye sensitivity when wearing contact lenses.

    Warning

    • It is unknown if synthetic estrogen is a cause of female and male breast cancer; therefore, continued breast self-exams are recommended. Additionally, you should report any unusual breast discharges or lumps to your medical professional immediately.

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