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Womens / HRT
Female hormones
Throughout a woman’s fertile period the two hormones estrogen and progesterone (produced by the ovaries), work together to control the menstrual cycle. Estrogen stimulates ovulation and progesterone prepares the endometrium or lining of the uterus for implantation of a fertilised egg. If pregnancy occurs progesterone continues to be produced by the placenta to maintain the pregnancy, if not levels of progesterone falls, which initiates menstruation. The production of estrogen and progesterone is regulated by hormones produced by the pituitary gland - Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteunising Hormone (LH), which in turn are under the control of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormones (GnRH) produced by the hypothalamus in the brain.
Androgens are generally considered to be male hormones but they also have several functions in the female body, including puberty related changes like pubic hair growth, preventing bone loss, libido and for the production of oestrogen.
Conditions caused by hormonal imbalance
An hormonal imbalance in women can cause a range of hormonal disorders:
- Lack of progesterone can result in menstrual disorders like, secondary amenorrhoea (menstrual periods that have stopped, are absent or irregular), dysmenorrhoea or painful periods, premenstrual syndrome and abnormal uterine bleeding, which occurs during the menstrual cycle instead of at the end. Medication containing a form of progesterone can help treat these menstrual disorders. Endometriosis, a condition where the endometrium grows outside the uterus and causes pain and bleeding can also be treated with progesterone.
- Overproduction of androgen or androgenisation causes hirsutism or production of unwanted hair, androgenic alopecia (hair loss) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is usually accompanied by acne and hirsutism and is related to insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes. These conditions can be treated using anti-androgen drugs.
Treating symptoms of menopause
As menopause approaches, the production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone ceases, which brings to an end to the regular cycle of ovulation and menstruation. A lack of estrogen causes the of symptoms including, hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy. Estrogen also has several other actions in various metabolic processes including maintaining bone mass, which is why a lack of estrogen at menopause increases risk of osteoporosis.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to help relieve symptoms of menopause by replacing female hormones that the body has stopped making naturally. HRT is generally in the form of an estrogen and can be delivered systemically as oral tablets or patches, or as topical creams for local vaginal symptoms like atrophic vaginitis. Combination HRT includes a form of progesterone to reduce the risk of developing endometrial cancer due to estrogen alone.
Other menopausal symptom relief medications available include clonidine, an alpha blocker and some dietary supplements that help reduce hot flushes.
Hormone based treatments for other conditions
This category also provides hormone based treatment for other women’s conditions, including:
- Some breast cancers and endometrial cancer, which are both estrogen-dependent tumours and can be treated with anti-estrogen drugs.
- Infertility due to lack of ovulation using an estrogen receptor modulator
- Osteoporosis or loss of bone mass is a common problem in postmenopausal women, which can be treated with medications that regulate bone turnover.
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Abdi Ibrahim
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Estrofem 2mg
Estrofem general information
What is Estrofem used for?
Estrofem 2mg tablets are a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to substitute for a lack of oestrogen production by the ovaries that happens during menopause or following surgical removal of the ovaries, to relieve symptoms of menopause caused by oestrogen deficiency, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy. Estrofem 2mg tablets also are also used to help prevent postmenopausal bone loss (osteoporosis) and reduce risk of fracture. Estrofem stimulates the development of female sexual characteristics, and is used as part of a transgender hormone therapy for male to female transsexuals.
How does Estrofem work?
Estrofem contains a synthetic form of 17β-oestradiol, which is the major and most active form of the female sex hormone oestrogen, and is chemically and biologically identical to the natural hormone. Oestrogen is a steroid hormone produced by the ovaries that binds to specific receptors inside oestrogen-responsive cells and stimulates them to make proteins involved in producing secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and in regulating the menstrual cycle. Oestrogen also has several other actions in various metabolic processes including maintaining bone mass and lipid (fat) metabolism.
What Estrofem doses are available?
Estrofem tablets are available to order and buy online from Inhouse Pharmacy in doses of 1mg and 2mg in packs of 28 tablets.
What does Estrofem contain?
The active ingredient in Estrofem is a synthetic form 17β-oestradiol, of human oestradiol, which is the most active form of the female hormone oestrogen and is responsible for the development of female sexual characteristics and regulation of the menstrual cycle. Estrofem also contains lactose monohydrate, maize starch, gelatine, talc, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, E132 or E172.
Treating symptoms of menopause with Estrofem
Estrofem 2mg tablets are used to treat symptoms caused by a lack of endogenous oestrogen (produced by the ovaries), which happens during menopause, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy.
Estrofem for hormone replacement therapy
Estrofem 2mg substitutes for the loss of oestrogen production by the ovaries that occurs during menopause. Estrofem contains oestradiol, an active form of the female hormone oestrogen that alleviates menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, dry vagina, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration loss of energy and bone loss (osteoporosis).
Estrofem for transgender treatment
Estrofem 2mg can be used as part of a gender reassignment program for male to female transsexuals, by providing a source of oestradiol, an active form of the female hormone oestrogen. Estrofem 2mg tablets stimulate the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and also induce metabolic changes such as fat distribution to redefine the general body shape.
Estrofem for feminising hormone therapy
Estrofem 2mg tablets contain 17β-oestradiol, the most feminising form of the female hormone oestrogen, which provides a very effective means of feminisation when used as part of a gender reassignment program for male to female transsexuals. Estrofem 2mg stimulates the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and also induces metabolic changes such as fat distribution to redefine the general body shape, while at the same time Estrofem overrides the effects of testosterone.
What are the side effects of Estrofem?
The most frequently reported side effects when taking Estrofem 2mg tablets are breast tenderness, breast pain, abdominal pain, nausea, oedema, and headache, skin rash and itching, insomnia and depression. More severe side effects include changes in liver function at higher doses.
What are the health risks of Estrofem?
Long-term HRT with Estrafem does have associated health risks, including an increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, stroke and deep vein thrombosis. For women with an intact uterus adding a progestagen to an oestrogen replacement regimen like Estrofem for at least 10 days per cycle is recommended to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
When should Estrofem not be used?
You should not use Estrofem if you:
- have a past or family history of carcinoma of the breast, endometrial carcinoma or liver disease
- have deep venous thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders, cerebral vascular accident associated with oestrogen use
- abnormal genital bleeding of unknown cause
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- are allergic to 17β-oestradiol or any of the ingredients in Estrofem tablets
- are taking other medications that may interact with Estrofem, such as anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz or preparations containing St John's Wort.
How should Estrofem be taken?
You should take Estrofem 2mg tablets with a glass of water once a day, preferably at the same time each day, until all 28 tablets have been taken. The dose you take depends on your condition and should be as recommended by your doctor. When you have finished each pack, start the next pack immediately. You can start taking Estrofem tablets on any convenient day unless you are still having menstrual bleeding, in which case take the first tablet on day 5 of bleeding.
How long should you take Estrofem?
Each pack of Estrofem 2mg tablets is a calendar pack of 28 tablets. You should take Estrofem 2mg tablets for as long as your doctor recommends.
Missed dose of Estrofem
If you miss a dose of Estrofem 2mg tablets, take the tablet as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Estrofem be stored?
Store Estrofem tablets in their calendar pack at room temperature below 25°C, keep away from direct sunlight and do not refrigerate.
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Haemorrhoids
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lining of the lower part of the rectum and anus. They are caused by an increase in pressure within the rectum and anus such as during pregnancy, due to pressure of the enlarged uterus, and straining due to constipation.
This causes the swollen veins to become permanently dilated, swollen and inflamed. Haemorrhoids can be internal within the lining of the lower rectum and anal canal, or external, which surround the anus. Internal haemorrhoids are made up of blood vessels, supporting connective tissue and smooth muscle. They are usually pain free but can cause bleeding and may also become prolapsed when protrude into the anal canal and can cause problems. External haemorrhoids may also bleed if they become thrombosed, which is when there is bleeding within the haemorrhoid and the blood clots. External haemorrhoids may cause itching due to irritation of the surrounding skin, but this may also be due to rectal or anal fissures, which are small tears or cuts in the anal or rectal canal through which stools are passed. Muscle spasm is also a symptom of haemorrhoids, which can be painful.
Treatment for haemorrhoids
Treatments for haemorrhoids are available as an ointment applied to the anal area or as a suppository that is inserted into the rectum. Haemorrhoid treatments usually combine a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory, like fluocortolone or hydrocortisone, with a local anaesthetic, like cinchocaine, to treat the inflammation and pain associated with haemorrhoids. The corticosteroid inhibits the formation of inflammatory chemicals like interleukins that stimulate the formation of other inflammatory chemicals like prostaglandins. This reduces pain and swelling, associated with inflammation. The anaesthetic component acts locally to reduce pain, discomfort and itching.
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Estrofem 1mg
Estrofem general information
What is Estrofem used for?
Estrofem 1mg tablets are a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to substitute for a lack of oestrogen production by the ovaries that happens during menopause or following surgical removal of the ovaries, to relieve symptoms of menopause caused by oestrogen deficiency, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy. Estrofem 1mg tablets also are also used to help prevent postmenopausal bone loss (osteoporosis) and reduce risk of fracture. Estrofem stimulates the development of female sexual characteristics, and is used as part of a transgender hormone therapy for male to female transsexuals.
How does Estrofem work?
Estrofem contains a synthetic form of 17β-oestradiol, which is the major and most active form of the female sex hormone oestrogen, and is chemically and biologically identical to the natural hormone. Oestrogen is a steroid hormone produced by the ovaries that binds to specific receptors inside oestrogen-responsive cells and stimulates them to make proteins involved in producing secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and in regulating the menstrual cycle. Oestrogen also has several other actions in various metabolic processes including maintaining bone mass and lipid (fat) metabolism.
What Estrofem doses are available?
Estrofem tablets are available to order and buy online from Inhouse Pharmacy in doses of 1mg and 2mg in packs of 28 tablets.
What does Estrofem contain?
The active ingredient in Estrofem is a synthetic form 17β-oestradiol, of human oestradiol, which is the most active form of the female hormone oestrogen and is responsible for the development of female sexual characteristics and regulation of the menstrual cycle. Estrofem also contains lactose monohydrate, maize starch, gelatine, talc, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, E132 or E172.
Treating symptoms of menopause with Estrofem
Estrofem 1mg tablets are used to treat symptoms caused by a lack of endogenous oestrogen (produced by the ovaries), which happens during menopause, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy.
Estrofem for hormone replacement therapy
Estrofem 1mg substitutes for the loss of oestrogen production by the ovaries that occurs during menopause. Estrofem contains oestradiol, an active form of the female hormone oestrogen that alleviates menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, dry vagina, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration loss of energy and bone loss (osteoporosis).
Estrofem for transgender treatment
Estrofem 1mg can be used as part of a gender reassignment program for male to female transsexuals, by providing a source of oestradiol, an active form of the female hormone oestrogen. Estrofem 1mg tablets stimulate the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and also induce metabolic changes such as fat distribution to redefine the general body shape.
Estrofem for feminising hormone therapy
Estrofem 1mg tablets contain 17β-oestradiol, the most feminising form of the female hormone oestrogen, which provides a very effective means of feminisation when used as part of a gender reassignment program for male to female transsexuals. Estrofem 1mg stimulates the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and also induces metabolic changes such as fat distribution to redefine the general body shape, while at the same time Estrofem overrides the effects of testosterone.
What are the side effects of Estrofem?
The most frequently reported side effects when taking Estrofem 1mg tablets are breast tenderness, breast pain, abdominal pain, nausea, oedema, and headache, skin rash and itching, insomnia and depression. More severe side effects include changes in liver function at higher doses.
What are the health risks of Estrofem?
Long-term HRT with Estrafem does have associated health risks, including an increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, stroke and deep vein thrombosis. For women with an intact uterus adding a progestagen to an oestrogen replacement regimen like Estrofem for at least 10 days per cycle is recommended to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
When should Estrofem not be used?
You should not use Estrofem if you:
- have a past or family history of carcinoma of the breast, endometrial carcinoma or liver disease
- have deep venous thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders, cerebral vascular accident associated with oestrogen use
- abnormal genital bleeding of unknown cause
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- are allergic to 17β-oestradiol or any of the ingredients in Estrofem tablets
- are taking other medications that may interact with Estrofem, such as anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz or preparations containing St John's Wort.
How should Estrofem be taken?
You should take Estrofem 1mg tablets with a glass of water once a day, preferably at the same time each day, until all 28 tablets have been taken. The dose you take depends on your condition and should be as recommended by your doctor. When you have finished each pack, start the next pack immediately. You can start taking Estrofem tablets on any convenient day unless you are still having menstrual bleeding, in which case take the first tablet on day 5 of bleeding.
How long should you take Estrofem?
Each pack of Estrofem 1mg tablets is a calendar pack of 28 tablets. You should take Estrofem 1mg tablets for as long as your doctor recommends.
Missed dose of Estrofem
If you miss a dose of Estrofem 1mg tablets, take the tablet as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Estrofem be stored?
Store Estrofem tablets in their calendar pack at room temperature below 25°C, keep away from direct sunlight and do not refrigerate.
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