Oestrogen for HRT (systemic)

About oestrogen HRT

Oestrogen is a female hormone that can be used to treat women's health problems including menopausal disorders.

During the menopause or "change", your female hormone levels begin to fall. The menopause normally happens between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can occur earlier or later. HRT (hormone replacement therapy) replaces these hormones. This helps to relieve many of the problems associated with the menopause, such as hot flushes, and protects against osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). However, other treatments for osteoporosis are tried before using HRT to treat this condition.

If you have had your womb removed (hysterectomy) then you only need oestrogen HRT therapy. If however you still have your womb you will be given both oestrogen and progestogen. Please see Oestrogen and Progestogen for HRT for more information.

Different types of oestrogen can be used in HRT products. These can include conjugated oestrogens, estradiol, estriol and estrone.

Before taking/using oestrogen HRT

Before taking/using oestrogen HRT make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have any vaginal bleeding other than your normal monthly period.
• If you suffer from liver or heart problems.
• If you suffer from breast or endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the womb).
• If you suffer from thrombosis (a blood clot) or have a history of thrombosis.
• If you have had a blood clot of an artery (e.g. stroke or heart attack).
• If you suffer from diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes), or porphyria (blood disorder).
• If you suffer from migraines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take/use oestrogen HRT

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Tablets: If you have been prescribed the tablet form, try to take it at the same time each day to avoid missing a dose. If you forget to take your tablet, read the advice on the manufacturer's leaflet and follow the instructions given. If you are not sure what to do ask your pharmacist.
• Patches: If you have been prescribed the patch form, they should be removed after 3-4 days (or once a week in the case of 7-day patches) and replaced with a fresh patch. Do not place the patch on, or near the breast or under the waistband. The patch should be placed on a clean, dry, unbroken area of the skin below the waist. It is recommended the area be changed each time. If the patch falls off in the bath allow the skin to cool before applying a new patch.
• Gel: If you have been prescribed the gel form, apply the required amount of gel to clean, dry, unbroken skin such as the arms, shoulders or inner thighs and allow to dry for five minutes before covering with clothing. Do not apply on or near to the breasts or female genital area. Avoid skin contact with another person, particularly male, and avoid using other skin products or washing the area for at least one hour after application. Wash your hands after applying the gel. If the gel does get onto another person they should wash it off immediately.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before buying any medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside oestrogen HRT.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor.
• If you wear contact lenses they may become irritating, if this becomes a problem speak to your optician.
• If you are due to have an operation, tell the person carrying out the surgery that you are taking HRT as you may be advised to stop the HRT for a few weeks.
• If you have diabetes you should test for sugar in the blood or urine regularly to check that your diabetes is being well controlled. If there are any extreme changes talk to your doctor.

Can oestrogen HRT cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store oestrogen HRT

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines