Estrogen Side Effects

Are you aware that there are estrogen side effects? Well, you should be especially if you have been recommended to take estrogen for purposes of solving moderate to severe menopausal symptoms and for the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Whilst estrogen generally has important uses, we cannot deny that there are risks associated when using specific drugs carrying this steroid hormone. Naturally produced by the ovaries and is used to stimulate estrus and the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, estrogen medicines may cause side effects as follows:

1. Estradiol. There are common and severe estrogen side effects connected with using Estradiol. The most common side effects include headache, lightheadedness, nausea, pain or tenderness in the breast and changes in sex drive. Stomach bloating, vaginal infection and weight changes may also be experienced with the use of this estrogen drug. Severe side effects have also been noted specifically allergic reactions (itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; rash; hives), severe headache, fainting and sudden shortness of breath.

2. Conjugated Estrogens. Often given in the prescribed medication called Premarin, these may also produce side effects such as hives, difficulty breathing, chest pain and swelling of the face, tongue, lips and throat. Sudden numbness or weakness in certain parts of the body may also be experienced with the use of this drug.

3. Side effects common to most estrogen drugs and creams. It should be noted that tenderness of breasts may occur both in men and women making use of estrogen. Feeling of bloatedness, mild diarrhea, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), loss of scalp hair, development of new hairy areas and lesions on the eye may take place as well. Less common side effects include vaginal bleeding, changes in menstrual flow and vaginal spotting.

4. Rare estrogen side effects. Whilst there are side effects common to the use of estrogen drugs and creams, there are also rare side effects. The list herein includes slurred speech, vision changes, blood clot, stroke, sudden passage of urine, slurred speech and loss of coordination.

There are also other risks associated with the use of estrogen. This is as noted by the Food and Drug Administration:

1. With the use of estrogens for therapy, endometrial hyperplasia or overgrowth may take place. This one is considered a precursor to cancer most especially in women.

2. Breast cancer has also been reported by men who make use of estrogens.

When to check with your doctor when estrogen side effects manifest

Basically, no side effect should be taken as common or rare. Meaning, all should be treated by the doctor at once. If you do not want your case to worsen, you have to take necessary precautions and meet with your doctor. Annual medical check-ups are recommended. Seeking medical advice is necessary in the following cases.

1. Symptoms of blood clots occur. This would include sudden or severe headache, unexplained shortness of breath, weakness or numbness in either arms or legs, sudden slurring of speech, sudden change or loss of vision and chest or leg pains.

2. Other estrogen side effects. You may also ask expert help when you feel breast pain, swollen feet and legs, joint or muscle aches and mental depression. Additionally, you must see a doctor when you experience increased breast size, blood-filled skin sores, persistent nausea or vomiting, uncontrolled jerky muscle movement, yellow eyes or skin and unusual tiredness.

Increased risk associated with estrogen side effects

In another, cigarette smoking may also increase risks of having serious blood clots especially for women under estrogen medication. The risk increases depending on the age and the number of cigarettes smoked by these women. Smoking, overall, makes estrogen intake less effective than expected.

Estrogen medications made for those undergoing menopausal symptoms have also been noted to result to risks of having hyperplasia or cancer. The risk increases once a person takes in the dosage or treatment for over five years. Treatments such as progestin may be recommended for patients undergoing the plight. This can be taken for up to 14 days.

Estrogen side effects should be dealt with accordingly before anything severe may happen to a man or a woman taking one. All concerns should be addressed to medical experts.

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