side effects of taking estrogen

What are the risks of taking estrogen?

Estrogen supplementation is associated with a reduced risk of death from COVID-19 among postmenopausal ... based on this or other observational studies, be advised to take HRT for a supposed benefit on death from COVID-19." The study had several ...

What are the side effects of too much estrogen?

• Headache (sudden or severe)
• loss of coordination (sudden)
• loss of vision or change of vision (sudden)
• pains in the chest, groin, or leg, especially in the calf of leg
• shortness of breath (sudden and unexplained)
• slurring of speech (sudden)
• weakness or numbness in the arm or leg

How safe is taking estrogen?

The risk factors and side effects associated with estrogen use include:

• Blood clots: Estrogen increases your risk of blood clots, which can cause stroke, heart attack, and even death.
• Cancer: Estrogen may increase your risk of certain cancers, specifically breast cancer. ...
• Birth defects: If you’re using estrogen or hormone therapy and become pregnant, your pregnancy may end prematurely. ...

More items...

What effects do you get from taking testosterone?

These hormones are thought to have important effects on:

• Ovarian function
• Bone strength
• Sexual behavior, including normal libido (although evidence is not conclusive)

What do estrogen pills do to your body?

Estrogen is good for your heart by keeping cardiovascular tissue healthy. It also helps with keeping your blood pressure stable. And when your estrogen levels are high, it helps keep blood triglycerides (a type of fat) low, increases HDL cholesterol (the good kind) and lowers LDL cholesterol (the bad kind).

What are the long term effects of taking estrogen?

The prolonged use of estrogens has been reported to increase the risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) in women after menopause. This risk seems to increase as the dose and the length of use increase. When estrogens are used in low doses for less than 1 year, there is less risk.

What is the effect of estrogen in females?

In addition to regulating the menstrual cycle, estrogen affects the reproductive tract, the urinary tract, the heart and blood vessels, bones, breasts, skin, hair, mucous membranes, pelvic muscles, and the brain.

How long can you take estrogen for?

Five years or less is usually the recommended duration of use for this combined treatment, but the length of time can be individualized for each woman. Women who have had their uterus removed can take estrogen alone.

Does estrogen make you gain weight?

For women, a specific estrogen hormone called estradiol decreases at menopause helps regulate metabolism and body weight. The lower the levels of estradiol may cause weight gain. Throughout a woman's life, they may notice weight gain around their hips and thighs.

What are the signs of low estrogen?

Signs of low estrogen include:Dry skin.Tender breasts.Weak or brittle bones.Trouble concentrating.Moodiness and irritability.Vaginal dryness or atrophy.Hot flashes and night sweats.Irregular periods or no periods (amenorrhea).More items...•

How does estrogen make you feel?

Some of estrogen's effects include: Increasing serotonin, and the number of serotonin receptors in the brain. Modifying the production and the effects of endorphins, the "feel-good" chemicals in the brain. Protecting nerves from damage, and possibly stimulating nerve growth.

Does estrogen thicken hair?

Estrogen is related to hair growth — and hair loss. During pregnancy, for example, a woman's estrogen levels are higher than normal, which signals more hair follicles to "grow" and fewer to "rest." While estrogen levels are high, women have full, thick hair.

How can I increase my estrogen naturally?

7 Ways You Can Boost Estrogen NaturallyPhytoestrogen-Rich Foods. Phytoestrogens, found in plants and plant-based foods, have a similar structure to estradiol, which is the strongest of the estrogen hormones. ... B Vitamins. ... Vitamin D. ... Chasteberry (also known as Vitex Agnus-Castus) ... Boron. ... Black Cohosh. ... Evening Primrose Oil.

At what age should a woman stop taking estrogen?

On the other hand, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says: “Because some women aged 65 years and older may continue to need systemic hormone therapy for the management of vasomotor symptoms, the ACOG recommends against routine discontinuation of systemic estrogen at age 65 years.

What happens when you stop taking estrogen?

Once you stop taking estrogen, you may develop brittle bones. However, lifestyle, dietary and nonhormonal medications can be very effective in preventing bone loss and osteoporosis. Women who stop taking HRT may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.

What is a good substitute for estrogen?

Soy to the World The most widely cited natural remedy is soy, which is very high in phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. Other sources are red clover and flaxseed, both of which are available as supplements.

What are the side effects of estrogen?

Here are the most commonly seen estrogen therapy side effects to be mindful of when beginning treatment: 1 Abdominal Cramps 2 Bloating 3 Breast Tenderness 4 Loss of Appetite 5 Nausea and/or Vomiting 6 Edema – Swelling of the Legs and Ankles 7 Water Retention 8 Weight Changes

Why not prescribe estrogen replacement therapy?

By eliminating as many risk factors as possible, the administration of medication can be carried out in a safer manner. That is why most doctors will not prescribe estrogen replacement therapy to women at a higher risk of adverse reactions.

How long does it take for side effects to go away after hormone replacement?

In other instances, they will often go away on their own within a few weeks as the body adjusts to the hormone replacement treatment.

Does estrogen cause sudden urination?

Sudden urination. Vision changes. Along with the side effects of estrogen, there are some drug interactions associated with the use of this treatment. It is essential to alert the doctor to any and all medications that are being taken before beginning estrogen therapy. The possibility of estrogen side effects is greater in women who smoke ...

Can estrogen be used as a cream?

Long-term use of estrogen replacement may result in a higher chance of developing liver tumors or cancer, glucose intolerance, high blood pressure, sensitivity to sun exposure, and greater than normal levels of calcium in the bloodstream. Another side effect of estrogen applied vaginally as a cream is uterine bleeding.

Is estrogen replacement safe?

The use of estrogen replacement has been well documented for providing women with a way of replenishing declining hormone levels, however, it is not without certain risks. Due to some of these risk factors, women with previous history of breast cancer, or those who have a higher chance of developing this condition, as well as concerns regarding blood clots, stroke, endometrial and cervical cancers, and heart disease should not use this form of hormone replacement. These risks are not the same thing as the possible side effects of estrogen therapy that some women may face.

What happens if you take estrogen with progestin?

unexpected or excess milk flow from the breasts. Also, many women who are taking estrogens with a progestin (another female hormone) will start having monthly vaginal bleeding, similar to menstrual periods, again.

Can estrogen cause breast cancer?

Although the incidence is low, the use of estrogens may increase you chance of getting cancer of the breast. Breast cancer has been reported in men taking estrogens. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Does hysterectomy cause hair loss?

This effect will continue for as long as the medicine is taken. However, monthly bleeding will not occur in women who have had the uterus removed by surgery (total hysterectomy). This medicine may cause loss or thinning of the scalp hair in some people. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients.

Is it safe to take estrogen for less than 1 year?

When estrogens are used in low doses for less than 1 year, there is less risk. The risk is also reduced if a progestin (another female hormone) is added to, or replaces part of, your estrogen dose. If the uterus has been removed by surgery (total hysterectomy), there is no risk of endometrial cancer. Although the incidence is low, the use of ...

What are the side effects of Estradiol?

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking estradiol: Less common. Vaginal yeast infection. Incidence not known. Change in vaginal discharge. clear or bloody discharge from the nipple. decrease in the amount of urine. dimpling of the breast skin. fast heartbeat.

What are the symptoms of overdose on estradiol?

swelling of the eyelids, face, fingers, lips, hands, feet, or lower legs. tightness in the chest. troubled breathing at rest . troubled breathing or swallowing. vaginal bleeding. Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking estradiol: Symptoms of overdose. Dizziness.

What are the risks of a postmenopausal woman?

Increased risks of myocardial infarction, stroke, invasive breast cancer, pulmonary emboli, and deep vein thrombosis in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) have been reported.

Can estrogen cause cancer?

Estrogens increase the risk of endometrial cancer; monitor for abnormal vaginal bleeding. Estrogens with or without progestins should not be used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia. Increased risks of myocardial infarction, stroke, invasive breast cancer, pulmonary emboli, and deep vein thrombosis in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) have been reported. An increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age or older has also been reported in women receiving estrogen alone or estrogen combined with progestins. Risks should be assumed to be similar for other doses, combinations, and dosage forms of estrogens and progestins. Estrogens, with or without progestins, should be prescribed at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration possible.

Can estrogen be prescribed with progestins?

Estrogens, with or without progestins, should be prescribed at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration possible.

Does estrogen increase endometrial cancer?

Vaginal route (Insert, Extended Release) Use of unopposed estrogens increases the risk of endometrial cancer, while addition of a progestin decreases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. Rule out malignancy if abnormal vaginal bleeding develops.

Estrogen Pills Side Effects

These are the most common side effects that users of estrogen pills have reported experiencing. These symptoms are usually mild to moderate and require no additional medical care, but every person is different.

Do not panic!

There are several ways to lose weight, including a fitness regimen and a diet free of added sugars and fats.

Conclusion

We received many letters from you asking- what if these side effects are too strong and you can not live with that? What should you do? In that case, We would advise you to think about natural estrogen supplements like red clover, saw palmetto or fenugreek for instance. And nobody can ever recommend you something that your body obviously declines.

What is estrogen in women?

What is estrogen? Estrogens are a group of hormones that play an important role in the normal sexual and reproductive development in women. They are also sex hormones. The woman's ovaries make most estrogen hormones, although the adrenal glands and fat cells also make small amounts of the hormones.

What is the HRT study?

The hormone trial had two studies: the estrogen-plus-progestin (HRT) study of women with a uterus and the estrogen-alone (ERT) study of women without a uterus.

Can hormones be used for postmenopausal women?

The FDA recommends hormone therapy be used at the lowest doses for the shortest duration needed to achieve treatment goals. Postmenopausal women who use or are considering using hormone therapy should discuss the possible benefits and risks to them with their healthcare provider.

Does estrogen affect the reproductive system?

In addition to regulating the menstrual cycle, estrogen affects the reproductive tract, the urinary tract, the heart and blood vessels, bones, breasts, skin, hair, mucous membranes, pelvic muscles, and the brain. Secondary sexual characteristics, such as pubic and armpit hair, also start to grow when estrogen levels rise.

Can hormone therapy help with hot flashes?

These products are approved therapies for relief from moderate to severe hot flashes and symptoms of vaginal dryness. Although hormone therapy may help prevent osteoporosis, it should only be considered for women at high risk of osteoporosis who cannot take non-estrogen medicines.

Symptoms Of Low Estrogen In Women: What Is Going On

Estrogen is a vital hormone that can be found in women and men. In women, it is responsible for maintaining the reproductive system and forming female features such as the development of breasts, enlargement of hips, and pubic hair. Ladies can monitor their impact when they have a menstrual cycle. Mainly, it is produced by ovaries.

List Of Possible Side Effects

The risks factors pointed out in the previous section were just that potentially dangerous conditions that could occur as a result of receiving estrogen replacement. Side effects are entirely different, and at their worst, are typically just bothersome to the individual.

Low Estrogen Levels And Weight Gain: Is There A Connection

Sex hormones, such as estrogen, influence the amount of fat in the body. Estrogen regulates glucose and lipid metabolism. If your estrogen levels are low, it can result in weight gain.

What Influences Appetite And Weight

A decrease in estrogen levels during a woman’s monthly cycle may trigger mood changes in some women. Some females may reach for comfort foods that are high in fat, calories, sugar, and salt in an effort to feel better. Sadly, eating these foods backfires and makes women feel worse. Sodium increases water retention and bloating.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is the process of taking hormones when your natural hormone levels are low.

How Should This Medicine Be Used

Hormone replacement therapy comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take hormone replacement therapy, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Reasons For Low Estrogen

There are times when your estrogen levels fluctuate, such as during your period or when youre pregnant. But as you get older and approach menopause, your estrogen levels decline. For some, it happens earlier. Any condition that impairs the ovaries can reduce estrogen production.

How does estrogen help women?

Estrogen helps a younger woman’s body protect her against heart disease. Changes in the walls of the blood vessels, making it more likely for plaque and blood clots to form. Changes in the level of lipids (fats) in the blood occur. An increase in fibrinogen (a substance in the blood that helps the blood to clot).

When did the NIH stop taking estrogen?

Then, in 2004, the NIH stopped the estrogen-only study arm, in which women who had undergone hysterectomy were taking estrogen. Data showed that estrogen increased their risk of blood clots and stroke and did not reduce the risk of heart attack. (Estrogen’s effect on breast cancer risk was unclear.)

Why do women on hormone replacement therapy have less heart disease?

It appears that the reason why the observational studies showed women on hormone replacement therapy had less heart disease was likely due to the lifestyles of women who take hormone replacement therapy rather than the medical benefits.

What are the side effects of HRT?

About 5 to 10 percent of women treated with HRT have side effects which may include breast tenderness, fluid retention and mood swings. In most cases, these side effects are mild and do not require the woman to stop HRT therapy. If you have bothersome side effects from HRT, talk to your doctor.

When does menopause occur?

Menopause usually occurs naturally in women between ages 45 and 55 . However, loss of estrogen can also occur if the ovaries are removed during surgery or if a woman goes through early menopause.

Does estrogen help with heart disease?

Over the years, evidence was accumulating that suggested estrogen also helped protect women against heart disease . With heart disease is the number one killer among women over age 65, this is an important issue. Women develop heart disease 10 years later than men, but by age 65, their risk is equal to that of men.

Does estrogen affect the cardiovascular system?

Estrogen probably affects the cardiovascular system in other ways that are as yet undiscovered. New research continues to give scientists and physicians more information – and raise more questions about this important and controversial hormone.

Does estrogen affect organs?

The findings reinforce the concept that “estrogen affects many organ systems in the body and changes the risk of many diseases,” said the study’s lead investigator, Andrea LaCroix, Ph.D., of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. “Depending on age group and hysterectomy status, the consequences [of estrogen-only therapy] ...

Does estrogen only help with breast cancer?

Estrogen-only treatment was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the risk of breast cancer. However, there were some notable differences in estrogen effects by age.

Is menopause hormone therapy dangerous?

But both Drs. Ford and LaCroix agreed that for older women, the potential benefits of menopausal hormone therapy of any kind do not outweigh the risks. “Our data clearly indicate that hormone therapy use in older women is potentially dangerous,” Dr. LaCroix said.

What happens when estrogen levels are too high?

When estrogen levels get too high, they can saturate these receptors, causing fewer signals to be sent to the pituitary gland telling it to make less of the luteinizing hormone. The luteinizing hormone is a necessary ingredient for the gonads to be able to produce testosterone.

What hormones are responsible for developing the sexual characteristics of women?

Estrogen is the primary hormone responsible for developing the sexual characteristics of women. As such, too much estrogen in a man's body can facilitate the growth of breasts on men, also known as gynocomastia.

Can estrogen interfere with testosterone production?

Estrogen supplements may also interfere with the production of testosterone . When estrogen levels get too high, they can saturate these receptors, causing fewer signals to be sent to the pituitary gland telling it to make less of the luteinizing hormone.

Does estrogen help with libido?

Although produced in smaller amounts, estrogen plays a part in both libido and sperm production. When estrogen levels drop too low, estrogen supplements may be used to help raise the concentration back to a normal level.

Does estrogen affect dopamine?

Estrogen has been shown to both increase the production of norepinephrine as well as decrease the amounts of dopamine being produced in the body. Both of these neurotransmitters significantly contribute to mood stabilization. A decrease in dopamine can cause depression, while an increase in norepinephrine can lead to agitation.

Can estrogen affect men?

However, too high of levels of estrogen can create physical and emotional side effects in men. Although estrogen is primarily found in a woman's body, it plays an important role in a man's body as well. However, too high of levels of estrogen can create physical and emotional side effects in men.

Can estrogen cause sex drive?

Estrogen supplements also can cause a drop in libido (sex drive) in men. Libido is largely dependent on the levels of testosterone in the body. As the excess estrogen lowers the amount of testosterone being made, the male libido experiences a drop in activity.

More Common

Less Common Or Rare

• Women who have reached the postmenopausal stage are at a two to three times greater risk of gallbladder disease incidence. Long-term use of estrogen replacement may result in a higher chance of developing liver tumors or cancer, glucose intolerance, high blood pressure, sensitivity to sun exposure, and greater than normal levels of calcium in the b...

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Rare

Incidence Not Known

Less Common

in Summary

For The Consumer

For Healthcare Professionals

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