Overview of Ethinylestradiol
An Overview of Ethinylestradiol
Ethinylestradiol or EE as it is sometimes referred to belongs to a collection of therapeutic drugs called estrogens and they are widely used to treat female medical issues. Ethinylestradiol has been frequently used as an estrogen replacement therapy on its own known simply as an ERT or together with progestagen to make up one of either a contraceptive drug or a total hormone replacement therapy or HRT combination used primarily as a therapy to relieve the menopausal symptoms, a lot of women experience during the ‘change of life’. Ethinylestradiol has also been used on men with prostate cancer as a treatment and in women who experience harsh and painful disarray with their menstrual cycles and has been effective in treating both disorders.
The average women experiences menopause at its maximum discomfort level around age 51 and menopause can begin as early as age 40 or as late as age 60 in rare cases. It is during this time that a women’s body chemistry begins to change as a result of hormone levels falling and the resulting menopausal symptoms can be unbearable for some females. This is where many physicians will turn to hormone replacement therapy to replenish these lost hormones. When the replacement occurs the effects of the change are alleviated, symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats etc. are controlled and patients experience relief.
Osteoporosis is another major symptom of menopause and at the first sign of trouble; physicians usually test a patient’s bone density before they initiate treatment with Ethinylestradiol or overall HRT. Normally clinicians will resort to other forms of treatment for osteoporosis before they bring out the big therapeutic guns of ERT or HRT to treat this bone thinning disease. Ethinylestradiol is available in tablet form for easy oral intake.
It’s always a good idea before you take Ethinylestradiol that you discuss with your physician, pharmacist or better yet both to make sure they understand all of the following:
• That you are still at the age where you could have children or if you are a nursing mother
• That you have ailments of the kidney, heart problems of any kind or you suffer from high blood pressure and if you have gall bladder trouble.
• If you are prone to migraines, suffer from epilepsy, have the blood problem porphyria, are diabetic or asthmatic.
• Tell them if you now have or ever have had thrombosis, which is a blood-clotting problem.
• What about multiple sclerosis or MS? They should be told. Numbness and tingling in extremities caused by tetany or sickle cell anemia.
• Pemphigoid gestationis or pregnancy itching should be discussed, endometriosis as well.
• Tell them if you endure systemic lupus erythematosus known as SLE or if you have extreme calcium levels in your blood known as hypercalcaemia.
• Tell them If you experience mobility problems because of bed restriction or if you are wheelchair bound.
• Do you have a hearing impediment caused by a disease of the inner ear bones called otosclerosis?
• Do you suffer from cancer of the uterus or breast now or in your lifetime or is there a familial record of the disease?
• Have you experienced unexpected and undiagnosed vaginal blood loss?
• Have there been any major accidents or trauma of any kind in your life recently?
• Have you recently undergone or plan to undergo any surgical procedures?
• Is there a record of you experiencing an allergic reaction to Ethinylestradiol or some other medications?
• Also, be sure to mention if you are on any other medications, whether they be prescription, over the counter [OTC] or any of the herbal or health supplements variety.
As with any medication you should follow your physicians instructions completely and always read the pharmaceutical companies medicine brochure before commencing your Ethinylestradiol therapy. The pharmacist should also provide you with a printout for any prescription that they are dispensing to you.
When you are ready to start taking your meds always try to have your medication at the exact time of day since it will be easier to remember your doses. If by chance, you miss a time you should take the Ethinylestradiol as soon as you remember than carry on with your normal protocol. If it was almost time for your next dose when you remembered, forget about the missed pill, as you should ever double up on your Ethinylestradiol. If you are not sure, ask for assistance from the pharmacy or physician, which is why they are there.
With any medication, you should never take more than the prescribed dosage of Ethinylestradiol unless your doctor says otherwise. In the event that you or a family member has overdosed on Ethinylestradiol, call your physician immediately or head to the urgent care clinic or emergency ward of the nearest hospital right away. Do not forget to take the pill bottle with you to identify the drug. Sometimes a physician may prescribe Ethinylestradiol to you just for particular days of your menstrual cycle and once again if you are unsure follow up with the professionals for the proper protocol. Finally understand that Ethinylestradiol was YOUR prescription only so you should never share your medications with other people despite any similarities in your conditions.
Certain over the counter medications can be harmful when mixed with your prescribed medication. Ethinylestradiol is no exception and you should consult with your pharmacist when considering any OTC meds for other ailments. Your pharmacist is probably the best person to speak with regarding drug interactions. This is what they are trained to do. Your physician may not be as up to date on details of certain drugs.
Taking ethinylestradiol is known to vary your blood sugar counts so if you are diabetic be sure you check your blood and or urine often while reporting any acute anomalies directly to your health care professional. You may also experience some dizziness while taking EE so it is advisable to rise up slowly from a sitting or lying down position. Remember that ethinylestradiol alone will not act as a contraceptive. If you require a contraceptive, be sure to ask your doctor’s advice which non-hormonal option is best for you. DO not use “The Pill”.
Ethinylestradiol has many benefits when used as a hormonal replacement therapy. Specifically Ethinylestradiol would be classified as an ERT or Estrogen Replacement Therapy since it is part of the estrogen group of hormones. HRT is an excellent treatment for stopping the nagging symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness and soreness, and alleviates those night sweats many menopausal women experience.
Hormone replacement is an excellent treatment to diminish the growth of osteoporosis and the probability of bones breaking because of them thinning. There is an added advantage of looking younger since HRT assists with skin elasticity by slowing the loss of collagen, the important protein responsible for replenishing skin tissue. Non-menopausal women who experience bone density loss and are receiving ERT therapy should be consulting their physician regularly for a review of their treatment protocol.
Recent studies have shown that long term, less frequent monitoring of HRT or ERT patients could cause health risks for these people. Seeing your doctor regularly and reporting any changes in your routine or wellbeing can be important. It is imperative that your physician be given an overall picture of how you are responding to treatment so an assessment can be made regarding extending treatment. It is not recommended that patients continue HRT or ERT for the long term. This study deduced that short term therapies be used for menopausal symptoms. It was this same research that determined that osteoporosis be treated by other means first prior to using hormone treatment.
Like most medicines, Ethinylestradiol has its advantages and disadvantages. Side effects are common but do not affect everyone the same. Your body will adjust over a period of time to most new medications but if you are NOT feeling any better when taking your prescribed dosage for a good period of time, you should speak to your physician about your problems with Ethinylestradiol immediately.
Some side effects experienced when taking Ethinylestradiol are feeling nauseous, stomach cramps, bloating and fullness. Some folks experience changes with their weight one way or the other, breast enlargement and soreness. Generally, you may experience the same PMS symptoms that many suffer from. Retaining fluids, skin rashes, brown skin blotching, libido swings, depression, migraine headaches are fairly common with some leg cramping. Others have reported eye irritation with contacts and persistent dizziness with body positioning. These are the types of side effects that may wane as you become more tolerant of the drug in your system.
Less frequent side effects but of much more concern and when medical assistance should be sought out are sudden and extreme chest pain, abrupt and swift breathlessness, coughing up of blood in mucus, calf pain in one leg that is severe should not be ignored nor should the recipient “tough it out”. If you experience harsh stomach pain, a painful and persistent headache, unexpected loss or limited vision impairment, sudden onset of auditory problems or other problems with your senses. Other serious effects could include severe indigestion or sudden fainting spells or collapsing episodes, epileptic seizures where none previously existed, general weakness and if movement is impaired. Also unexpected numbness in part or half of your body, jaundice or yellowing tinge of your eye whites and skin. A long list to be sure but all very serious signs that you may be in an immediate medical emergency and urgent care is required. A good rule of thumb is if you are worried about any odd reaction or feeling after starting any new medication, not just ethinylestradiol, you should get to your doctor pronto.
When you are storing Ethinylestradiol, it is vital to keep it away from children and it needs to be stored in a cool dry space. It is not likely your ethinylestradiol will remain past its effective date but throw out old medicines where they will not be troublesome or take the unused meds back to your pharmacy for disposal.