Conjugated estrogens

Conjugated estrogens are used for various menopausal symptoms ranging from vaginal dryness, irritation, and hot flashes. Estrogen is the female sex hormone that is necessary for various body processes.

Women who are suffering from different symptoms of menopause are recommended to take conjugated estrogens. Likewise, those who would like to prevent osteoporosis among postmenopausal women are advised to take conjugated estrogens. This medication is also given to those who lack natural estrogen. At times, conjugated estrogens are used for cancer treatment both for men and women.

Conjugated estrogens are available under the brand names Enjuvia, Cenestin, Premarin, and Ogen.

Conjugated estrogen is taken daily. Physicians may prescribe a different dosage depending on the conditions, such as use in 3 weeks to be followed by a week off.

Conjugated estrogens can be administered on an empty stomach. Users are usually advised to take the medicine during the same time of the day so they won’t forget taking the medication.

It is advised that users take conjugated estrogens regularly in order to get the most out of the medicine.

In case of a missed dosage, users should take conjugate estrogens as soon as they remember it. If it is almost up for the next dosage, simply skip the missed dosage and take conjugated estrogens as scheduled. Never take 2 doses in order to make up for a missed dosage.

Users of conjugated estrogens may experience side effects such as lightheartedness, dizziness, headache, nausea, bloating, weight change, change in libido, and breast tenderness. Immediately consult a doctor or pharmacist in case any of these symptoms persist.

Some of the unlikely but severe symptoms may also occur like changes in mood, breast lumps, swollen feet or hands, vaginal bleeding such as spotting and recurrent blooding, unusual discharge in the vagina, persistent nausea, vomiting, increased urination or thirst, worsening incidents of seizure, and dark urine.

The use of conjugated estrogens can also cause serious health problems like blood clots, heart attacks, and stroke. Women should immediately seek help if they experience symptoms like sudden headaches, weakness on a part of the body, pain in the left arm, slurred speech, vision problems, difficulty in breathing, coughing up of blood, and sudden dizziness.

Users should inform their physicians their medical condition prior to taking conjugated estrogens. Particularly, women who have vaginal bleeding, a history of stroke, blood clots, liver disease, and certain cancers may be at risk if they take conjugated estrogens.

Users should also reveal their medical history to their doctors before taking conjugated estrogens. Those who have a history of asthma, breast cancer, diabetes, migraine headaches, seizures, heart disease, kidney disease, mental disorders, and high blood pressure could be at risk upon using conjugated estrogens.

Conjugated estrogens can make a user dizzy, so women are advised not to drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform activities requiring alertness. It is also advised that they limit their alcohol intake while using conjugated estrogens.

There is also a risk that women may pass this medication to their babies through breast-feeding. Conjugated estrogens can also limit the amount of milk produced by breast-feeding mothers.

Conjugated estrogens has the following structural formula:

Review published on: 06 July 2009