Estrogen Side Effects

Estrogen is a hormone that is secreted in both men and women. Hormones play an important role in transferring information and instructions from one group of cells to other. Hormones regulate the growth and development of the human body. Estrogen is responsible for the development and growth of female sexual characteristics. Estrogen encompasses a group of hormones viz., estrone, estradiol and estriol. It is produced in ovaries, fat tissues and adrenal glands. Let us first take a look at who are prescribed for estrogen and then we shall discuss the side effects of estrogen.

Who are Prescribed for Estrogen
Estrogen drugs are primarily prescribed to women during their menopause. When women have a sudden feeling of heat and sweating, estrogen drugs are prescribed to treat these hot flashes. Vaginal dryness, itching or burning in vagina and osteoporosis are some of the disorders that many women face during or after their menopause. These symptoms are treated with estrogen drugs. However, if a woman wanting to cure only vaginal dryness or only to prevent osteoporosis must opt for another treatment. Women who are suffering from low estrogen levels are also prescribed with estrogen drugs.

Low Estrogen Side Effects
There are certain low estrogen side effects and to treat these side effects, estrogen drugs are prescribed. Vaginal dryness and menopausal symptoms like hot flashes are experienced by many women due to the decreased levels of estrogen. Here are some low estrogen side effects:

• Increase in pulse rate
• Short term memory loss
• Lethargy and fatigue on light exertion
• Bloating
• Hot flashes
• Dry skin
• Vaginal dryness
• Changes in weight

Estrogen Side Effects
Some of the most common estrogen drugs side effects are as follows:

• Tenderness of breast and painful breasts
• Vomiting
• Stomach upset
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss or gain
• Leg cramps
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Hair loss
• Gas
• Nervousness
• Darkening of facial skin
• Change in sexual desire
• Vaginal discharge
• Burning or tingling sensation in arms
• General feeling of illness
• Joint pain

Estrogen drugs, if taken over a long period of time, increase the risk of cancer of lining of the uterus.

Also, women who take estrogen after menopause are more likely to develop gallbladder diseases. The formation of blood clots increases in women who are on the estrogen drugs. These blood clots increase the risk of stroke, heart attack and many other diseases. Estrogen drugs also increase the risk of breast cancer.

Not every woman experiences the side effects of estrogen mentioned above. Besides the above mentioned side effects, there are some less common side effects of estrogen which are breakthrough vaginal bleeding, bleeding gums, vaginal spotting, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and no menstrual period after the use of estrogen drug. In addition, there can be vaginal infection with candida, uterine fibroid, cystitis like syndrome, jaundice, rash and development of new hairy areas on the body. The most common estrogen side effect seen in women is increase in sex drive and in men it is decreased sex drive.

Estrogen Side Effects in Men
Additionally, men who take estrogen for some reason also experience the side effects of estrogen. The estrogen side effects seen in men are as follows:

• Changes in body temperature
• Decreased interest in sex
• Irritations in skin
• Change of voice
• Weight gain
• Change in gonadal size
• Change in body odor

Men who are on estrogen drugs for a long period are more susceptible to prostate cancer, heart attack, blood clots in lungs and phlebitis.

Estrogen can potentially interact with many other drugs, like antibiotics that are antifungal, barbiturates, medications to treat seizures, cyclosporine, grapefruit juice, medications for hyperthyroidism and protease inhibitor (HIV medications). It is highly recommended to consult a doctor before you take any estrogen drugs. Besides this, you must inform the doctor about your current medications. This will help in avoiding any drug interactions of estrogen. This was all about estrogen side effects.