Estrogen Pills: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions
Estrogen pills are essential for treating many health conditions.
It is primarily used in hormonal therapy and helps in relieving the discomforting symptoms of Menopause.
Although Estrogen pills are effective in numerous ways, it is essential to take care of the potential side effects they cause.
Proper medical intervention is necessary before taking these pills.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Estrogen pills, their uses, side effects, interactions, and dosage.
Keep reading, as we will also provide a few tips to take care of while taking Estrogen therapy.
What do Estrogen pills do
Estrogen has a vital role in a female’s reproductive health.
It is available in many forms, like pills, gel, creams, and rings.
The benefits of taking Estrogen pills are as follows:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Estrogen is frequently prescribed as a part of HRT for women who have reached Menopause.
Menopause is a natural process when a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs, leading to a decline in Estrogen levels.
HRT with Estrogen pills helps alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, and mood swings.
Research published by The National Library of Medicine examined Estradiol tablet effectiveness in treating menopausal symptoms.
Estradiol tablet is a form of Estrogen pill.
244 postmenopausal women with moderate to severe hot flasheswere assigned to receive the medication.
It was found that the hot flushes of the observation group were significantly reduced.
Bone health
Estrogen is prescribed to postmenopausal women at risk of developing Osteoporosis.
It helps reduce the risk of fractures in these individuals and maintain bone density.
Contraception
Estrogen, when combined with Progestin, is used in birth control pills.
These pills prevent pregnancy by stopping the release of eggs from the ovaries.
It also helps in controlling irregular periods.
Hypogonadism treatment
Hypogonadism is when the body doesn’t produce enough sex hormones, such as Estrogen.
Estrogen pills may be used as hormone replacement therapy in women with Hypogonadism to alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, and mood disturbances.
Transgender healthcare
Estrogen pills are used in transgender women (assigned male at birth) as part of feminizing hormone therapy.
It helps develop secondary sexual characteristics such as full breasts, more fat on buttocks, hips, and face, and softer skin.
Side effects of Estrogen pills
As with any medication, Estrogen pills can potentially cause side effects.
Common side effects may include the following:
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Yellowish eye
- Swelling in legs or hands
- Mood changes
- Bloating
- Vaginal bleeding
- Upset stomach
- Changes in weight
However, it is essential to note that not everyone will face side effects, and their severity can vary in individuals.
Dosage
Generally, Estrogen pills are given once a day without food.
The dosage of Estrogen pills may differ for individuals.
Your doctor will prescribe you the dosage by assessing your medical condition.
Interactions
Estrogen pills can interact with certain medications. Some of them are listed below:
- Aromatase inhibitors like Aminoglutethimide, Anastrozole, Exemestane, Letrozole, and Testolactone
- Carbamazepine
- Certain Barbiturates or Benzodiazepines are used for inducing sleep or treating seizures
- Medications for fungal infections, like Itraconazole and Ketoconazole
- Raloxifene or Tamoxifen
- Rifabutin, Rifampin, or Rifapentine
- Ritonavir
- Warfarin
Precautions
Before beginning Estrogen therapy, you need to take several precautions to ensure your safety and maximize the benefits of treatment.
Regular Check-ups
Regularly visit your healthcare provider to monitor the treatment’s effects and address any concerns promptly.
Provide your healthcare provider with a comprehensive medical history, including pre-existing conditions, allergies, or surgeries.
This information will help determine if Estrogen therapy is suitable for you.
Smoking
Smoking while on Estrogen therapy increases the risk of severe issues like blood clots and strokes.
It is advisable to quit smoking or refrain from starting while on hormone therapy.
Others
Attend regular breast exams and mammograms as recommended by your healthcare provider.
If you suspect pregnancy while taking the medication, inform your doctor immediately.
Discuss calcium and vitamin D intake with your healthcare provider to support bone health.
Conclusion
Estrogen pills are versatile helpers for various health needs.
They are used in relieving menopausal symptoms, bone health, and contraception.
Some side effects of Estrogen pills are breast tenderness, bloating, upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting.
In general, it is advised by doctors to take once a day without food.
They may interact with certain medications like Raloxifene, Warfarin, and Carbamazepine.
Make sure to have regular check-ups and discuss the medical conditions with a doctor to ensure the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of taking Estrogen pills?
There are numerous benefits of taking Estrogen pills. It is used in feminizing therapy to help transgender in developing secondary sexual characteristics. It is also used in hormone therapy to help relieve menopausal symptoms
Are there any side effects of taking Estrogen pills?
Some of the side effects of taking Estrogen pills are nausea, breast tenderness, swelling in hands and legs, and vaginal bleeding. Not all experience these side effects. It may differ in individuals.
What is the dosage of Estrogen pills?
The dosage of Estrogen pills differs among individuals. Doctors may prescribe different dosages to individuals based on their medical conditions. In general, Estrogen pills are taken once a day without food.
What are the precautions to take when taking Estrogen pills?
You need to take a few precautions when taking Estrogen pills. Talk to your doctor about your health history. Have regular check-ups with your doctor. If you smoke, consider quitting. Follow your doctor’s advice for safe and effective treatment.
