Category

• Androgen-estrogen
• This monograph includes information on the following: —Estrogens, Esterified, and Methyltestosterone; Testosterone and Estradiol

Description

Androgens and estrogens (AN-droe-jens and ESS-troe-jens) are hormones. Estrogens are produced by the body in greater amounts in females. They are necessary for normal sexual development of the female and for regulation of the menstrual cycle during the childbearing years. Androgens are produced by the body in greater amounts in males. However, androgens are also present in females in small amounts.

The ovaries and adrenal glands begin to produce less of these hormones after menopause. This combination product is prescribed to make up for this lower production of hormones. This may relieve signs of menopause, such as hot flashes and unusual sweating, chills, faintness, or dizziness.

Androgens and estrogens may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

There is no medical evidence to support the belief that the use of estrogens (contained in this combination medicine) will keep the patient feeling young, keep the skin soft, or delay the appearance of wrinkles. Nor has it been proven that the use of estrogens during the menopause will relieve emotional and nervous symptoms, unless these symptoms are caused by other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.

A paper called “Information for the Patient” should be given to you with your prescription. Read this carefully . Also, before you use an androgen and estrogen product, you and your doctor should discuss the good that it will do as well as the risks of using it.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Estrogens, Esterified, and Methyltestosterone
  • Tablets (U.S.)

Parenteral
• Testosterone and Estradiol
  • Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Depo-Testadiol ²
• Estratest ¹
• Estratest H.S. ¹
• Valertest No. 1 ²

In Canada—

• Climacteron ²