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.

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The side effects and reactions that can occur with increased Ethinylestradiol intake are many and varied. It is important to remember that not everyone experiences all of the side effects attributed to EE ingestion. Side effects of a severe nature are quite rare in women who take care of themselves and live a healthy lifestyle. As usual, you are deemed at higher risk if you smoke while taking contraceptives of any kind. It is said that women are generally more prone to complications due to pregnancy than those that may occur because of the intake of oral contraceptives. Many of the less severe side effects due to taking ‘the pill’ will become lessened and generally disappear once the body adjusts to the drug.

The development of abnormal growths, fibroids or cysts filled with fluid or a semi solid substance can be concerning to those who experience this adverse reaction. Many physicians will make the automatic assumption there is nothing to worry about but these formations should be investigated further. Some may experience blood in the urine and or cloudy discharge and even a decline in urine output. A bloated feeling of fullness can occur along with body aches and pains. Some users experience a cough with congestion that produces mucus and a general feeling of malaise or illness along with throbbing headaches.

There may be some discomfort when urinating or a need to urinate more frequently as well as a white or clear discharge from the vaginal region and nuisance itching in the rectal, vaginal or overall genital areas.. Some users experience a period of depression or a sad and empty feeling. Some may notice a lack of appetite and loss of strength. There could be a distinct loss of pleasure or interest in sexual intercourse and pain associated with sex. Some users complain of pain or neuralgia around the eyes and cheekbones and redness in the face, neck and chest region.

If the ethinylestradiol contraceptive is in skin patch form there can be redness, irritation and itchiness in that area where it is applied. Some will suffer from the chills and shivering and experience sleeplessness, stuffy nose and allergy-like symptoms. A tired feeling and trouble concentrating, sudden sweats may happen along with swollen neck glands, insomnia voice changes and a sensation of gassiness.

All these things considered, one must remember that it is important and FDA stipulated that any and all side effects and adverse reactions to medications be noted and presented. There is the potential for other side effects to occur other than those mentioned here. Your physician should be contacted if you are bothered by any symptom you feel is brought on by the introduction of ethinylestradiol based contraceptives into your system, especially in the early phase of the drug protocol.

Medication Interactions can occur when taking most medications and ethinylestradiol is no different. Because of the nature of the compound Ethinylestradiol there are a host of potential drug interactions a user should be aware. There may be little or no chance of the contraindication ever happening because the user may well never have a need for any of the drugs mentioned. That said, below is a list of medications anyone using or contemplating using ethinylestradiol should be aware if the need arises to take another drug with EE.

Consult with your physician or clinical care advisor before combining any of these medicines with Ethinylestradiol:

• Acetaminophen (i.e., Tylenol) (with long-term, high-dose use)
• Amiodarone (i.e., Cordarone)
• Anabolic steroids (Nandrolone [i.e., Anabolin], Oxandrolone [i.e., Anavar], Oxymetholone [i.e., Anadrol, Stanozolol [i.e., Winstrol])
• Androgens (male hormones)
• Anti-infectives by mouth or by injection (medicine for infection)
• Antithyroid agents (medicine for overactive thyroid)
• Carbamazepine (i.e., Tegretol)
• Carmustine (i.e., BiCNU)
• Chloroquine (i.e., Aralen)
• Dantrolene (i.e., Dantrium)
• Daunorubicin (i.e., Cerubidine)
• Disulfiram (i.e., Antabuse)
• Divalproex (i.e., Depakote)
• Etretinate (i.e., Tegison)
• Gold salts (medicine for arthritis)
• Hydroxychloroquine (i.e., Plaquenil)
• Isoniazid
• Mercaptopurine (i.e., Purinethol)
• Methotrexate (i.e., Mexate)
• Methyldopa (i.e., Aldomet)
• Naltrexone (i.e., Trexan) (with long-term, high-dose use)
• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) containing estrogen
• Phenothiazines (Acetophenazine [i.e., Tindal], Chlorpromazine [i.e., Thorazine], Fluphenazine [i.e., Prolixin], Mesoridazine [i.e., Serentil], Perphenazine [i.e., Trilafon], Prochlorperazine [i.e., Compazine], Promazine [i.e., Sparine], Promethazine [i.e., Phenergan], Thioridazine [i.e., Mellaril], Trifluoperazine [i.e., Stelazine], Triflupromazine [i.e., Vesprin], Trimeprazine [i.e., Temaril])
• Phenytoin (i.e., Dilantin)
• Plicamycin (i.e., Mithracin)
• Valproic acid (i.e., Depakene) — Use of these medicines with estrogens may increase the chance of problems occurring that affect the liver
• Cyclosporine (i.e., Sandimmune) — Estrogens can prevent cyclosporine’s removal from the body; this can lead to cyclosporine causing kidney or liver problems.

Every drug, not just ethinylestradiol, can have multiple drug interactions. It is fortunate that today, many if not all pharmacies will provide a person with a list of these potential drug interactions when they have their prescriptions filled. If the pharmacist does not include this information with your prescribed medication simply, ask them for the drug interaction printout.

Contraceptives

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Ethinylestradiol or [EE] is a derivative compound formed from estradiol and is a bioactive estrogen used in nearly all modern combined contraceptive pills or better known as simply [The Pill]. It is likely among the most common drugs in use today and is normally marketed as NuvaRing. It was the first of many generic brands of synthetic estrogen.

Ethinylestradiol was the first orally activated synthetic steroidal estrogen known as 17α-ethynylestradiol and was first synthesized in 1938 by Hans Herloff Inhoffen and Walter Hohlweg out of Berlin at Scherling AG. EE gained FDA approval in the United States in 1943 and was being sold by Scherling under the name Estinyl. Scherling itself called for it to be withdrawn beginning on 24 June 2004, since they had stopped selling Estinyl.

Estradiol is quickly metabolized by the liver becoming inactive and though it is absorbed readily when taken orally. So certain substitutions of an ethinyl group were made that provided an estrogen that was far more hardy and disparate to rapid breakdown; this was the beginning and expansion of oral contraceptives.

EE absorption occurs in the small bowel and reaches peak effectiveness in the body within two hours. Ethinylestradiol goes through a broad metabolic process in the liver that involves the super family of hemoproteins and enzyme reactions causing the metabolized EE to be excreted in the bile. This reaction causes a secondary crest of the EE effect a few hours later. This process of absorption is far from fixed, as it will fluctuate in individuals with many variations occurring. These disparities in absorption will undergo further modifications caused by other drug use in combination with the EE. After this chemical process takes place, EE is then passed from the body in urine and feces as glucuronoside and sulfate chemical substances.

Ethinylestradiol is an effective hormonal drug because of its activation of the estrogen receptor, which makes it an estrogen. It is most commonly used as a combination estrogen and progestin, a synthetic progestagen, for the formulation of oral contraceptives. Formulations of contraceptives have decreased in strength with the amounts of EE required for effective doses due to advancements in research.

Anyone taking any estrogen-based medication for a prescribed condition should be advised to apply the same cautions with ethinylestradiol use as they would with any other estrogen medications when considering contraindications. It should be noted that Estinyl in its original form derived from EE was used as a medication to control medically control menopausal symptoms and hypogonadism [in females, a defect of the reproductive system that results in lack of function of the ovaries].

Ethinylestradiol has caused some concerns amongst those in the medical community because of the adverse nature of the synthesized hormone within the human anatomy and the effect on the environment from its release as a xenoestrogen through urine and feces from those who take and metabolize the drugs in their systems. These xenoestrogens have been drawn into controversy because of the potential to cause medical problems but unfortunately, there has been minimal evidence to back up these assumptions of how humans have reacted to their presence.

By far the biggest concern is that since the introduction of these xenoestrogens into the mainstream of pharmaceuticals they are causing a disturbance in the normal behavior of the reproduction systems in women AND men. Synthetic estrogen has the same effect as naturally produced estrogen, which can increase the development of the endimetrium, or the lining of the uterus, increasing the need for endometriosis treatment. In effect, the first line of defense is the immediate cessation of estrogen-based products from the system. The thickening of the lining of the uterus can extend into the muscular tissue causing the start of adenomyosis, which can result in painful menstruation or worse.

There have been some studies, which have shown a disturbing pattern in wildlife due to the introduction of estrogen into the flora and fauna due to societal waste expulsion. Because of the introduction of estrogen in women there is cause for concern that constant fetal contact with estrogen presence in the female that male birth defects such as hypospadias, or the misplacement of the male urethra and its abnormal opening.

There is also the concern of male reproduction capabilities because of low sperm counts being investigated due to estrogen toxicity. In 1993, the famed science journal The Lancet featured an article by researchers who apparently showed the relationship between dropping sperm levels in males because of the direct presence of estrogen while in the uterus.

Also on subject is the matter of what effect the presence of estrogen has on the oncogenes. These are the genes that for whatever reason when they are mutated or occur in higher levels can turn a normal cell into a cancerous cell. This is of major concern when dealing with breast cancer specifically and is causing quite a stir amongst those active in this community. Of course, there are those scientists who deem the threat by xenoestrogen to be benign in the levels currently found in the environment.

Contraceptives

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