Estratest

Overview

About Estratest

In Depth >

Why should Estratest not be prescribed?

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You should avoid Estratest if you have any of the following conditions:

Breast cancer or any other type of cancer that's stimulated by estrogen (except in certain special circumstances)
Known or suspected pregnancy
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
A clotting disorder such as phlebitis, or clotting problems during previous estrogen therapy
Severe liver damage
Breastfeeding

Special warnings about Estratest

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Long-term estrogen replacement therapy definitely increases the risk of endometrial cancer and may increase the risk of breast cancer as well. If you have a family history of breast cancer, or if you have breast nodules or abnormal mammograms, be sure to have frequent breast exams.

Estrogen replacement drugs have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, such as heart attack and stroke, as well as blood clots in the brain, heart, or lungs. You are at a higher risk for heart disease if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, if you smoke cigarettes, have high cholesterol, or are overweight. If you are having surgery you will need to discontinue estrogen therapy at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to the procedure because the risk for blood clots becomes higher due to the time you may be immobilized. Because estrogen replacement poses a slight theoretical danger of clotting disorders, and testosterone has been known to cause fluid retention and heart failure in people with heart, liver, or kidney disease. Take Estratest with caution if you have any of these conditions or have ever suffered a stroke. Also let the doctor know if you have asthma, epilepsy, migraines, or bone disease.

Estrogen replacement also increases the risk of gallbladder disease. Women who take birth control pills, which have the same effect, suffer an increase in gallbladder problems after 2 years of use.

Both estrogen and testosterone can cause liver problems, including benign tumors, cancers, and hepatitis. Be sure to report any pain, tenderness, or swelling in the abdomen to your doctor immediately. If you develop signs of liver disease such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, stop taking Estratest and see your doctor at once.

Estrogen can cause an increase in blood pressure, so the doctor will monitor it closely. Estrogen also can raise blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, use Estratest cautiously.

Estrogen therapy occasionally causes symptoms of hormonal overload, such as breast tenderness and excessive uterine bleeding. Estrogen can also foster an increase in the size of uterine fibroids (benign tumors) and may increase the risk of mental depression.

High doses of the testosterone in Estratest can cause a woman's voice to deepen and can promote the growth of facial hair. To prevent a permanent change, the hormone must be discontinued. Inform your doctor immediately if you develop hoarseness, acne, or hair on the face. Also report any nausea, vomiting, changes in skin color, or swelling in the ankles.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Estratest

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If Estratest is taken with certain other drugs, their effects may be altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Estratest with the following:

Blood thinners such as warfarin
Insulin

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

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Estrogen and testosterone both can cause birth defects, and estrogen taken during pregnancy increases the child's risk of certain vaginal and cervical cancers later in life. Do not take Estratest if there's any chance that you're pregnant, and avoid it when nursing a baby.

Recommended dosage for Estratest

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WOMEN IN MENOPAUSE

Estratest is available in full- and half-strength tablets (Estratest H.S.). The tablets are taken cyclically (3 weeks on and 1 week off). The usual daily dosage is 1 tablet of Estratest or 1 to 2 tablets of Estratest H.S.