Category:

• Hormonal

Description:

• Estrogen hormone

Indications:

• Menopausal vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, etc.)

• Female hypogonadism

• Female castration and primary ovarian failure

• Atrophic conditions caused by deficient estrogen production

Contraindications:

• Known or suspected breast cancer

• Known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia

• Known or suspected pregnancy

• Undiagnosed genital bleeding

• Current or history of thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders (except when used in breast or prostatic cancer treatment).

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category X

• Use with caution in patients with hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, cardiac, liver or renal dysfunction, history of depression, gall bladder disease, hepatic adenoma.

• Use with caution in nursing mothers.

• Use with extreme caution in women with a family history of breast cancer or who have breast nodules.

• Perform periodic breast examinations.

• Rotate patch application sites to decrease skin sensitivity.

• May decrease glucose intolerance in diabetic patients.

• Discontinue therapy and contact health care provider if pregnancy is suspected.

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Thromboembolic disorders

• Abnormal menstrual bleeding, breast tenderness

• Edema, weight change

• Depression

• Application site irritation

Dosage:

• Administered orally or transdermal patch

• 1-2gm per day, attempting to achieve lowest possible dose

• 10-20cm² per patch applied twice weekly, rotating sites (avoid breasts and waistline)

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Department of the Navy
2300 E Street NW
Washington, D.C
20372-5300

Operational Medicine
 Health Care in Military Settings
CAPT Michael John Hughey, MC, USNR
NAVMED P-5139
  January 1, 2001