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Designer Estrogens

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KEY POINTS

  • Designer estrogens are man-made medicines that produce some of the good effects of the hormone estrogen, without some of the bad effects.
  • Make sure you know how and when to take your medicine. Do not take more or less than you are supposed to take.
  • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause and what you should do if you have side effects.

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What are designer estrogens?

Designer estrogens are man-made medicines that produce some of the good effects of the hormone estrogen, without some of the bad effects. Estrogen increases the risk of stroke, blood clots in the lungs and legs, heart disease, breast cancer, and possibly dementia. Also, estrogen taken without progestin increases the risk of uterine cancer if you still have your uterus.

Designer estrogens are also known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). SERMs may be used for several conditions:

  • Tamoxifen and toremifene are used to treat certain types of breast cancer.
  • Ospemifene is used to treat severe pain with intercourse due to menopause (when monthly menstrual periods stop).
  • Raloxifene is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones that starts around age 35. Weak bones are more likely to break. However, lifestyle changes and other prescription medicines can also help prevent osteoporosis.

How does it work?

Some cells in the body have receptors that allow estrogen to get into the cells. SERMs block these receptors and prevent the effects of estrogen in some tissues, such as in breast tissue. SERMs bind to the receptors and work like estrogen would in certain other tissues, such as bone tissue. Even though SERMS are not estrogen, they can still have some of the same risks as estrogen.

What else do I need to know about this medicine?

  • Follow the directions that come with your medicine, including information about food or alcohol. Make sure you know how and when to take your medicine. Do not take more or less than you are supposed to take.
  • Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause and what you should do if you have side effects.
  • Try to get all of your prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your medicines are safe to take together.
  • Keep a list of your medicines with you. List all of the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all of the products you are taking.

If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2016.4 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2016-03-30
Last reviewed: 2016-03-18
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2016 RelayHealth, a division of McKesson Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.
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