Article: Estrogen Choices: Conjugated Estrogen

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Article: Estrogen Choices: Conjugated Estrogen
Synthetic hormones are defined as hormones that are created by a pharmaceutical company for trademark/brand name reasons to take the place of hormones (or to add to the hormones) created by the ovaries. Chemically, they are NOT identical to the original hormone of the ovaries.

Premarin, Cenestin, Prempro, Premphase

CONJUGATED ESTROGENS (Premarin®,Cenestin™) are a mixture of different estrogen female hormones manufactured from pregnant mare's urine (however Cenestin is made completely from yams and soy) Conjugated estrogens can help relieve symptoms of the menopause (hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness and irritation), and also help to prevent osteoporosis (a loss of bone mass, so that bones become brittle and easily broken).

Medroxyprogesterone is added to either all tablets in the prescription (Prempro™), or it is added only for days 15&emdash;28 of the prescription cycle (Premphase™)

How should I take this medicine? Take conjugated estrogen tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. Take the tablets with food. Take your doses at regular intervals; conjugated estrogens work best when taken at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

•For all uses of this medicine:Before starting this medication, read the paper on your prescription provided by your pharmacist or health care professional. This paper will tell you about the specific product you are taking. Make certain you understand the instructions.

What other medicines can interact with conjugated estrogens?

•some antibiotics used to treat infections

•barbiturates or benzodiazepines used for inducing

sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)

•bromocriptine

•carbamazepine

•cimetidine

•cyclosporine

•dantrolene

•medications for diabetes

•methotrexate

•griseofulvin

•hydrocortisone, cortisone, or prednisolone

•isoniazid (INH)

•methotrexate

•mineral oil

•phenytoin

•raloxifene or tamoxifen

•rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine

•thyroid hormones

•topiramate

•tricyclic antidepressants

•warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking conjugated estrogens?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as

possible:

•breast enlargement, tenderness, unusual discharge or milk production

•chest pain

•leg, arm or groin pain

•nausea, vomiting

•severe headaches

•stomach pain (severe)

•sudden shortness of breath

•swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain

•vision or speech problems

•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•change in sexual desire

•mild stomach upset

•mood changes, anxiety, depression, frustration,

anger, or emotional outbursts

•increased or decreased appetite

•skin rash, acne, or brown spots on the face

•tiredness

•vaginal yeast infection (irritation and white discharge)

•weight gain

Conjugated estrogens can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your prescriber or health care professional if you feel you are retaining fluid.

Tobacco smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking conjugated estrogens, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.

If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist or health care professional.

If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking your estrogens one month beforehand. Consult your health care professional for advice prior to scheduling the surgery.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.