WARNING

Taking estrogen injections, like any medical treatment, comes with potential risks. Some of these risks include:

• Blood clots: Estrogen can increase the risk of developing blood clots, which can be dangerous if they travel to vital organs such as the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or brain (stroke).
• Breast cancer: There is evidence to suggest that long-term estrogen use may slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
• Uterine cancer: For individuals who have not had a hysterectomy, estrogen therapy alone (without progesterone) may increase the risk of uterine cancer.
• Cardiovascular problems: Estrogen use may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues, particularly in older individuals or those with pre-existing heart conditions.
• Gallbladder disease: Estrogen therapy has been associated with an increased risk of developing gallstones and gallbladder disease.
• Weight gain: Some people may experience weight gain or changes in body composition as a result of estrogen therapy.
• Mood changes: Estrogen can affect mood and emotional well-being. Some individuals may experience mood swings, irritability, or depression.

It’s important for individuals considering estrogen therapy to discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider, especially if they have a personal or family history of conditions such as breast cancer, blood clots, or heart disease. Additionally, regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider can help mitigate potential risks and ensure the safest and most effective treatment plan.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Estrogen injections are prescribed for a variety of medical reasons, primarily related to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in individuals who have low estrogen levels. Some common reasons for prescribing estrogen injections include:

• Menopausal symptoms: Estrogen injections may be used to relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and night sweats.
• Hormone deficiency: In some cases, such as primary ovarian insufficiency or surgical removal of the ovaries, individuals may have low estrogen levels and require hormone replacement therapy to maintain hormonal balance.
• Gender-affirming hormone therapy: Estrogen injections are often part of hormone therapy for transgender women as part of their transition process to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity.
• Bone health: Estrogen plays a role in maintaining bone density, so estrogen therapy may be prescribed to prevent osteoporosis or treat low bone density in certain individuals, particularly postmenopausal women.
• Certain types of cancers: In cases where estrogen levels need to be suppressed, such as in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer, estrogen injections may be used as part of the treatment plan.

How should this medicine be used?

Estrogen injections are typically administered by a healthcare professional and are given either intramuscularly (into the muscle) or subcutaneously (under the skin). The dosage and frequency of injections depend on the individual’s specific medical needs and response to treatment. It’s essential to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and any instructions provided by the healthcare provider.

Here are some general guidelines for using estrogen injections:

• Administration: Follow the instructions provided by the healthcare provider for administering the injection. Typically, injections are given into the buttock muscle or thigh muscle.
• Cleanliness: Ensure that the injection site and surrounding area are clean before administering the injection to reduce the risk of infection.
• Rotating injection sites: Rotate the injection sites to prevent irritation or discomfort at the injection site.
• Monitoring: Regularly monitor for any side effects or changes in symptoms while using estrogen injections and report them to your healthcare provider.
• Regular follow-up: Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor your response to treatment and adjust the dosage if necessary.

It’s crucial to use estrogen injections exactly as prescribed and not to adjust the dosage or frequency without consulting a healthcare provider. Estrogen therapy should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to achieve treatment goals while minimizing potential risks.

Other uses for this medicine

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Estrogen injections are commonly used in menopausal hormone therapy to alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
• Osteoporosis: Estrogen injections may be prescribed to help prevent or treat osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones.
• Hypogonadism: In cases of hypogonadism (a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough sex hormones), estrogen injections may be used to supplement hormone levels.
• Transgender Hormone Therapy: Estrogen injections are a part of feminizing hormone therapy for transgender women, helping to induce secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development and redistribution of body fat.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be followed when using estrogen injections to ensure safe and effective treatment:

• Medical history: Before starting estrogen therapy, inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, including any past or present medical conditions, allergies, surgeries, and medications you are taking.
• Regular check-ups: Attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your response to treatment, evaluate any potential side effects, and adjust the dosage if necessary.
• Breast exams: Perform regular breast self-examinations and undergo regular clinical breast exams as recommended by your healthcare provider. Report any unusual breast changes, lumps, or discharge promptly.
• Mammograms: Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for mammograms, which may be recommended at regular intervals to screen for breast cancer, especially if you are at increased risk.
• Monitoring for blood clots: Be aware of the signs and symptoms of blood clots, such as pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in the legs, and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms.
• Smoking cessation: If you smoke, consider quitting, as smoking can increase the risk of blood clots and cardiovascular problems associated with estrogen therapy.
• Interactions with other medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as some medications may interact with estrogen therapy.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Limit alcohol intake, as excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of certain side effects associated with estrogen therapy, such as liver problems.

By following these precautions and closely monitoring your health while using estrogen injections, you can minimize risks and maximize the benefits of treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about estrogen therapy.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Special dietary instructions for estrogen injection are generally not necessary. However, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet can support overall health and well-being, which is important when undergoing hormone therapy. Ensure you are getting an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D for bone health, and consider incorporating foods rich in these nutrients into your diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of estrogen injection, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance. In some cases, they may recommend taking the missed dose as soon as you remember or skipping it altogether and resuming your regular dosing schedule. It’s essential not to double the dose to make up for a missed one unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider. Following their advice will help maintain the effectiveness and safety of your treatment.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Estrogen injections, like any medication, can cause side effects. Some common side effects associated with estrogen injection therapy include:

• Nausea and vomiting: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset, including nausea and vomiting, especially when initiating estrogen therapy.
• Breast tenderness or enlargement: Estrogen can cause changes in breast tissue, leading to breast tenderness, swelling, or enlargement.
• Fluid retention: Estrogen therapy may lead to fluid retention, causing swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles.
• Headaches: Some individuals may experience headaches or migraines as a side effect of estrogen therapy.
• Mood changes: Estrogen can influence mood and emotional well-being, leading to mood swings, irritability, or depression in some individuals.
• Spotting or breakthrough bleeding: Hormonal changes induced by estrogen therapy may cause irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, especially during the first few months of treatment.
• Weight changes: Some people may experience weight gain or changes in body composition while on estrogen therapy.
• Skin changes: Estrogen can affect skin health, leading to changes such as acne, skin pigmentation, or increased facial hair growth.
• Gallbladder problems: Estrogen therapy has been associated with an increased risk of gallbladder disease and gallstones.
• Increased risk of blood clots: Estrogen can increase the risk of developing blood clots, which can be dangerous if they travel to vital organs such as the lungs or brain.
• Increased risk of breast cancer: Long-term estrogen use may slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly in certain individuals with pre-existing risk factors.
• Increased risk of uterine cancer: For individuals who have not had a hysterectomy, estrogen therapy alone (without progesterone) may increase the risk of uterine cancer.

It’s essential to discuss any concerns about potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting estrogen therapy. They can provide guidance on managing side effects and monitor your response to treatment to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

When it comes to the storage and disposal of estrogen injections, here’s what you should know:

Storage:

• Store estrogen injections at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
• Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not freeze estrogen injections.

Disposal:

• Dispose of unused or expired estrogen injections properly according to local regulations.
• Do not flush estrogen injections down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
• Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal authority for guidance on the proper disposal of estrogen injections.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of emergency or overdose of estrogen injection, you should:

• Contact emergency medical services (911 in the United States) immediately.
• Inform the emergency responders or healthcare providers about the type and amount of estrogen injection that was taken.
• Seek medical attention promptly, as overdose or misuse of estrogen injections can lead to serious complications such as blood clots, cardiovascular problems, or hormonal imbalances.

What other information should I know?

• Follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Keep all appointments for follow-up monitoring and evaluation of your response to treatment.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, as they may interact with estrogen therapy.
• Report any new or worsening symptoms, side effects, or concerns to your healthcare provider promptly.
• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of potential complications associated with estrogen therapy, such as blood clots, breast changes, or mood changes, and seek medical attention if necessary.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about estrogen injection therapy, you can help ensure its safe and effective use as part of your medical treatment plan.