Is it safe to smoke when taking conjugated sex hormones?

If you take conjugated hormones, avoid use of tobacco as the combination can increase your risk of blood clots, high blood pressure and stroke. If you are planning to have any type of elective surgery your doctor must be informed that you take sex hormones. To prevent blood clots, special precautions have to be taken during surgery. Sex hormones are not for use in children and thus, the medication must be stored in a safe place.

Who should not take conjugated estrogens?

Conjugated estrogens are not for all women. If you have had prior allergies to sex hormones, then you may not be a candidate. Moreover, if you have a medical disorder like vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, history of blood clots, liver disease, stroke or a heart attack, than it is safe to stay away from these pills.

Finally, pregnant women should never taken conjugated hormones as these substances can cause birth defects.

I am 49 and my doctor just prescribed me conjugated estrogens for my hot flashes. Are these pills safe?

Conjugated estrogens will resolve your hot flashes, but they also have a number of side effects. These pills can cause headaches, stomach upset, bloating nausea, weight gain, altered libido, or breast tenderness. These effects generally subside with time, but if they persist, one should speak to the doctor. In rare cases, conjugated estrogen can also cause mood changes like depression, unusual vaginal bleeding, yellowish discoloration of skin or eyes, worsening of blood sugars and difficulty controlling seizures. 

Like all medications, conjugated estrogens can also cause an allergic reaction that may present as a skin rash, itching or difficulty breathing. All women who take conjugated estrogens should be aware that these medications can increase risk of blood clots that may present as calf swelling, difficulty breathing or chest pain.

Can Conjugated estrogens affect my skin complexion?

Sure, Women who wear contact lenses will find that these sex hormones can cause visual difficulties. These hormones can also cause darkening of skin (melasma) and thus it is recommended that you avoid the sun and tanning booths. If you do go out in the sun, a sunscreen is highly recommended

Are there any precautions I should follow when taking conjugated estrogens?

When you buy conjugated estrogens, you will be told exactly how to take these hormonal medications. Always read the label on the package before you take conjugated hormones. The oral pills can be taken by mouth once a day, with water. If stomach upset is recurrent, one may take the pill with some food. For maximal benefit, conjugated estrogens must be taken every day at the same time. It is important not to combine conjugated estrogens with other bioidentical hormones to prevent side effects. The dose or duration of conjugated hormones should never be altered without speaking to your doctor.

I am 49 years old and have started to develop hot flashes and mood changes. Is there any medication that can make these symptoms go away?

Conjugated estrogens are usually prescribed for women who are unable to produce their own sex hormones, like during menopause. Conjugated estrogens are also prescribed to prevent bone loss, after a hysterectomy and for the treatment of certain cancers in men and women (e.g. metastatic breast cancer, prostate cancer).  Conjugated estrogens are very effective at relieving symptoms of menopause like vaginal dryness, headache, depression and facial flushing. There are many formulations of conjugated estrogen varying from topical patches, oral pills and vaginal creams. All women who take conjugated estrogens must be followed up by a doctor to ensure safety and prompt recognition of side effects. The decision to take these pills rests between you and your doctor, but I highly recommend you read about these pills first.

I am 49 and have just entered menopause. I feel “down” and sad all the time. Is this related to menopause?

Unfortunately, yes. A variety of mood changes occur during menopause. Depression of varying intensity does occur in more than 60% of women who enter menopause. 

Even healthy women who otherwise never had a mental problem develop some type of mood disturbance during this time period. In most cases, the depressive episodes are mild and temporary. However, in some cases the depression can be severe and require treatment. 

The best advice for you is to see your doctor and get a referral to a psychiatrist. The treatment depends on the severity of your depression. Fortunately depression which starts a menopause usually subsides in a few months to years.