Endogenous estrogens are largely responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. Although circulating estrogens exist in a dynamic equilibrium of metabolic interconversions, estradiol is the principal intracellular human estrogen and is substantially more potent than its metabolites, estrone and estriol, at the receptor level.

The primary source of estrogen in normally cycling adult women is the ovarian follicle, which secretes 70 to 500 mcg of estradiol daily, depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. After menopause, most endogenous estrogen is produced by conversion of androstenedione, which is secreted by the adrenal cortex, to estrone in the peripheral tissues. Thus, estrone and the sulfate-conjugated form, estrone sulfate, are the most abundant circulating estrogen in postmenopausal women.

Estrogens act through binding to nuclear receptors in estrogen-responsive tissues. To date, two estrogen receptors have been identified. These vary in proportion from tissue to tissue. Circulating estrogens modulate the pituitary secretion of the gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), through a negative feedback mechanism. Estrogens act to reduce the elevated levels of these gonadotropins seen in postmenopausal women.

Conjugated Estrogens vaginal cream is indicated in the treatment of atrophic vaginitis, dyspareunia and kraurosis vulvae. Conjugated Estrogens with or without progestins should not be used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia.

Menopausal vasomotor symptoms: 0.45 mg/day, up to 1.25 mg/day. Attempt to discontinue medication at 3-6-mth intervals.

Vulvular and vaginal atrophy: 0.3 mg/day.

Female hypogonadism: 0.3-0.625 mg/day in a cyclical regimen. Add progestin treatment once skeletal maturity is achieved.

Female castration, Primary ovarian failure: 1.25 mg/day in a cyclical regimen. Palliation in prostate carcinoma 1.25-2.5 mg 3 times/day.

Osteoporosis prophylaxis in postmenopausal women: Initial: 0.3 mg/day in a cyclical or continuous regimen depending on patient's condition.

Known or suspected pregnancy; undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding; known, suspected, or history of past breast cancer; known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia (e.g., endometrial cancer, endometrial hyperplasia); active or history of arterial thromboembolic disease (e.g., stroke, myocardial infarction or venous thromboembolism (such as deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism); active or chronic liver dysfunction or disease; known thrombophilic disorders (e.g., protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency); hypersensitivity to any component of this medication.

Breast pain, tenderness or enlargement, Headache/migraine, Gut disturbances, such as nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, indigestion, Legcramps, Fatigue, Weightchanges, Vaginalthrush, Depression, Anxiety, Dizziness, Changes in sex drive, Rise in blood pressure, Gall bladder disease, Swelling of the ankles due to to fluid retention (peripheral oedema), Skin reactions such as rash and itch, Steepening of corneal curvature which may make contact lenses uncomfortable, Premenstrual-like symptoms, Disturbance in liver function, Irregular brown patches on the skin, usually of the face (chloasma), Blood clots in the blood vessels.

Overdose Effects

Symptoms of overdosage of estrogen containing products in adults and children may include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, dizziness, abdominal pain, drowsiness/fatigue; withdrawal bleeding may occur in females. There is no specific antidote and further treatment if necessary should be symptomatic.

Asthma, epilepsy, migraine; heart or kidney dysfunction; CV disease; cerebrovascular disorders; diabetes, hypercalcaemia; gall bladder disease; porphyria. Children. Lactation.

Lactation: Use controversial; estrogens are excreted into breast milk in small quantities; use with caution

Pregnancy & Lactation

For women with a uterus: If pregnancy occurs during medication with Conjugated Oestrogens treatment should be withdrawn immediately. The results of most epidemiological studies to date relevant to inadvertent foetal exposure to estrogens indicate no teratogenic or foetotoxic effects.

Lactation: Conjugated Oestrogens is not indicated during lactation.