Estrogen hormone therapy helps women around the world treat the symptoms of menopause. It also helps improve vaginal and ovary issues.
In the U.S. alone, around 6 million women are on estrogen-plus-progestin therapy. This figure doesn’t involve those taking estrogen only.
If your doctor gave a prescription for estrogen tablets, you need to know how they work and the risks involved.
Is it safe? How do you take them? Keep reading to learn more about these pills.
How to Take Prescription Estrogen Tablets
People take most estrogen tablets once a day without food. However, some pills have more complicated dosing schedules.
Premarin 0.3mg, for example, is taken either daily or in cycles. Depending on the patient’s condition, they may have to take the pill for three weeks before taking a week-long break.
Estrogen pills help treat different conditions, meaning usage directions vary between patients. They require prescriptions, so it’s best to follow the doctor’s instructions.
Read the patient information and instruction sheets. If you have any questions, ask your doctor. Never take this medication for longer or in higher amounts than instructed.
If you miss a dose, you have to take it as soon as possible. But, if it’s almost time for another one, skip the missed dose instead.
Side Effects of Estrogen Treatment
Estrogen pills have various side effects, but none should be severe. If you have a prescription from the doctor, know they have judged the benefits to outweigh the risks. That said, you may experience the following:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Swelling
- Hair loss
- Headache/dizziness
- Breast pain
- Vaginal itching or discharge
- Weight changes
Some people may also develop allergic reactions to estrogen medication. Symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling in the face, lips, and tongue
- Rash
- Severe dizziness
In this case, stop taking the medication and seek emergency medical help. You may also encounter some severe side effects, such as:
- Depression, memory loss, and unusual behavior
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Breast lumps
- Symptoms of heart attack (chest pain, sweating, etc.)
- Signs of a blood clot (stabbing chest pain, sudden vision loss)
- Persistent nausea/vomiting
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms. You may also ask your prescribing physician for any side effects to expect.
Drug Interactions
Certain drugs or food may affect your estrogen medication. Drug interactions can change the way your medicines work. Worse, they may increase the risks for serious side effects.
Some examples of drugs that estrogen might interact with are:
- Raloxifene
- Aspirin
- Furosemide
- Levothyroxine
- Xanax
- Tramadol
This list isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor about all the medications you’re currently taking. Don’t start or stop taking any without approval.
Keep Yourself Informed When Taking Estrogen Tablets
Estrogen tablets are safe most of the time. However, it pays to do your research regarding these products. Study its effects and see how some drugs, food, and lifestyle habits might affect your estrogen treatment.
Do you need more helpful guides? To learn more, feel free to check out our other posts today.