Use Estratest to Treat Menopause Symptoms

Estratest is made up of two hormones, an androgen and an estrogen, and most often has been given to patients that cannot use estrogen alone to treat their symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes.

Side effects.
The most commons side effects experienced by those taking Estratest include headache, loss of hair on scalp, acne, premenstrual syndrome, nausea, unusual growth of body hair, unusual body movements, enlarged breasts, deepening of voice, changes in libido, bloating, abnormal skin sensation, cramps, or fluid retention.

The prescription has also been known to cause dark patches on the skin. This can be avoided by using sunscreen.

Severe side effects.
If any of the common side effects have gotten worse or more serious effects develop, a doctor should be seen. The more severe symptoms include breast tenderness or secretion,
mental or mood changes, pain in calf or chest, memory loss, dark urine, fainting or dizziness, changes in vision, migraines, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or skin, changes in weight, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or swelling, pain, or tenderness of the stomach.

Other patients have experienced serious side effects like abnormal vaginal spotting/
Bleeding, coughing up blood, difficulty wearing contact lenses, vaginal infection, changes in menstrual flow, shortness of breath, lumps in the breast, facial hair, or swelling of the fingers, legs, and ankles.

Drug interactions.
The doctor should be told if the patient has been taking any nonprescription or prescription medicines or dietary or herbal supplements. Some drugs have had interactions with Estratest, including: tricyclic antidepressants, anticoagulants, corticosteroids, hydantoins, macrolide immunosuppressants, carbamazepine, succinylcholine, barbiturates, rifampin, or cyclosporine.

Medical interactions.
Patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, estrogen-dependent tumor, past or present blood clots, porphyria, or severe liver damage should not take this medication.

Other medical conditions should be shared with the doctor before beginning this prescription, including if the patient has lumps in the breast, liver or kidney problems, heart problems, lupus, gallbladder disease, abnormal mammogram, diabetes, endometrial cancer or endometriosis, obesity, or problems with blood flow. Also, if the patient has had a stroke or heart attack; high calcium, lipid, triglyceride, or cholesterol levels; yellowing of the skin or eyes; tumors on the uterus; inflammation of the pancreas; or high blood pressure, this can interact with Estratest.

The doctor also should be informed if the patient recently has had surgery or is planning to undergo surgery. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not be prescribed Estratest. The physician also should be informed if the patient is a smoker. Estratest has increased the effects of alcohol.