 Conjugated Estrogens are estrogen hormones essential for maintaining
normal female functions. Conjugated estrogens can help relieve
symptoms of menopause (hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes,
and vaginal dryness and irritation) and also help prevent osteoporosis.
They can also help women with hormonal imbalance or problems with
their ovaries. They may also be used in cases of inoperable breast cancers (in men or women).
Conjugated Estrogens include oral Premarin and Premarin Cream, Presomen and Climopax.
Progestin can be added to estrogen therapy to reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus :
Combination HRT: Conjugated Estrogens combined with Medroxy-progesterone are available
under the names of Premphase and Premphase Cycle by Wyeth and Prempro.
Ordering options for Conjugated Estrogens, including Premarin and Premphase are below.
No prescription is needed, but some pharmacies will require a consultation via questionnaire to
enable their staff physician to issue a prescription (this is a free consultation).
Other pharmacies do not require a consultation (no consultation needed)*
Click Here to View More Medications for Menopause and Osteoporosis
Warnings about Conjugated Estrogen Therapy
Conjugated estrogens have been reported to increase the risk of developing endometrial
hyperplasia that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins, another
hormone drug, with conjugated estrogens lowers the risk of developing this condition.
Combination HRT : Conjugated Estrogens combined with Medroxyprogesterone acetate:
Women who have had their uterus removed do not need progestin or this combination.
Conjugated estrogens may also increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, breast cancer and
blood clots in the lungs or legs. These risks appear to depend on the length of time this
medicine is used and the amount of estrogen per dose. Therefore, these medications should
be used for the shortest possible period of time at the lowest effective dose, to obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of serious side effects.
Taking conjugated estrogens is not recommended if you have the following medical conditions:
undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, certain cancers (breast cancer, especially non-metastatic type cancer), blood clots, or active/recent stroke or heart attack.
Conjugated Estrogens Side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, lightheadedness,
headache, stomach upset, bloating, nausea, weight changes, increased/decreased interest in
sex, or breast tenderness. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience mental/mood
changes (severe depression, memory loss), pain or swelling in the calf, sudden severe
headache, chest pain, trouble breathing, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, vision changes
(change in contact lens fit, loss of vision) breast lumps, swelling of the hands or feet, changes
in vaginal bleeding (spotting, breakthrough bleeding, or prolonged bleeding), unusual vaginal
discharge/itching/odor, or yellowing of eyes or skin.
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