Esterified estrogens
Esterified Estrogens
Esterified estrogens (pronunciation: es-ter-i-fied es-tro-jens) are a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone that regulates many processes in the body. They are used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, itching, and burning.
Etymology
The term "esterified" comes from the chemical process of esterification, in which an ester is formed. "Estrogens" is derived from the Greek words "oistros" meaning frenzy or gadfly, and "gen" meaning to produce. This reflects the hormone's role in inducing estrus (sexual receptivity) in female mammals.
Usage
Esterified estrogens are often used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women who have reached menopause. They can also be used to treat certain conditions in women before menopause such as failure of the ovaries to produce enough estrogen naturally, certain types of breast cancer in both men and women, and prostate cancer in men.
Side Effects
Like all medications, esterified estrogens can cause side effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, swollen breasts, acne, changes in weight or appetite, decreased sex drive, impotence, difficulty having an orgasm, migraine headaches, dizziness, vaginal pain, swelling of the ankles or feet, depression, changes in your menstrual periods, breakthrough bleeding, or skin color changes.
Precautions
Before taking esterified estrogens, patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have a history of certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, migraines, liver disease, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blood clot, or cancer.
Interactions
Esterified estrogens can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, thyroid medication, insulin, and certain antibiotics. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are currently taking.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Esterified estrogens
- Wikipedia's article - Esterified estrogens
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