What Is Esterified Estrogens Used For?

Esterified estrogens is used for treating menopausal symptoms. It is also approved for the treatment of hormone deficiency in younger women whose ovaries do not produce enough estrogen and the relief of symptoms of certain cancers that have spread throughout the body. Healthcare providers may also occasionally recommend off-label esterified estrogens uses. For example, using the drug to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women is an off-label use.

 

An Overview of Esterified Estrogens Uses

Esterified estrogens (Menest®) is a prescription medication that contains an estrogen hormone. It is approved for the following uses:
 
  • Treatment of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness
  • Treatment of hormone deficiency in younger women whose ovaries do not produce enough estrogen
  • Relief of symptoms of certain cancers (in both men and women) that have spread throughout the body.
     

Esterified Estrogens Use for Menopause

Menopause is a normal change in a woman's life when she stops having her period. That's why some people call menopause "the change of life." Technically, a woman has officially reached menopause when she has not had a period for 12 months in a row and there are no other causes for this change. Menopause symptoms include:
 
  • Changes in your period, including abnormal bleeding or "spotting"
  • Hot flashes (hot flushes)
  • Night sweats and sleeping problems (including insomnia)
  • Vaginal changes, such as dryness or irritation
  • Thinning and weakening of your bones
  • Mood changes
  • Urinary problems
  • Problems with concentration or memory
  • Less interest in sex and changes in sexual response
  • Weight gain or increase in body fat around your waist
  • Hair thinning or loss.
     
For some women, these symptoms are quite severe, and some form of menopause relief may be necessary. This may include medications, natural menopause relief remedies, or non-medical ways to deal with the symptoms.
 
For menopause treatment, esterified estrogens should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest period necessary.
 
Because esterified estrogens (or any other estrogen treatment) without progesterone can increase the risk of precancerous or cancerous changes in the uterus, it must be combined with a progestin (either continuously or intermittently) in women who still have a uterus. If you have had a hysterectomy, you can take esterified estrogens alone, without any progesterone.
 
(What Is Esterified Estrogens Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;