Estrogen therapy for dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Examples

Oral (pills or tablets):

Generic Name	Brand Name
conjugated estrogens	Premarin
esterified estrogens	Estratab, Menest
estradiol	Estrace
estropipate	Ogen

Intravenous (IV)

Generic Name	Brand Name
conjugated estrogens	Premarin
estradiol cypionate	Estra-C, Estrofem, Estro-L.A.
estradiol valerate	Delestrogen, Estra-L, Valergen
estrone	Estro-A, Kestrone 5, Theelin

How It Works

High levels of estrogen trigger the rapid growth of the uterine lining (endometrium). This stops uncontrollable bleeding from the uterine surface.

Why It Is Used

High-dose estrogen is used to reduce sudden, heavy uterine bleeding. Usually, 24 hours of intravenous (IV) or oral (pills or tablets) estrogen therapy is followed with 7 to 10 days of oral estrogen plus progestin.¹

For perimenopausal women whose estrogen production is decreasing, estrogen is used along with progestin to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce dysfunctional uterine bleeding. For more information, see birth control pills for the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

How Well It Works

Estrogen therapy effectively controls sudden, heavy uterine bleeding that is not caused by disease, pregnancy complication, cancer, or another serious medical condition (dysfunctional uterine bleeding).¹

Recurrence Dysfunctional uterine bleeding may return when treatment with estrogen and progestin is stopped.

Side Effects

Frequent side effects caused by estrogen can include:

• Headaches.
• Nausea.
• Vaginal discharge.
• Fluid retention.
• Swollen breasts.
• Weight gain.
• Spotting or darkening of the skin, particularly on the face.

Rare side effects include:

• Increased growth of preexisting uterine fibroids.
• Worsening of endometriosis.
• Blood-clotting problems in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or legs (deep vein thrombosis).
• Increased risk of developing gallbladder disease.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Short-term estrogen therapy is followed by estrogen plus progestin treatment to stimulate healthy growth and then breakdown of the endometrium (withdrawal bleeding, much like menstrual bleeding).

Estrogen therapy is generally not recommended if you have:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Liver disease.
• History of blood clots in a vein (deep vein thrombosis) or lung (pulmonary embolism).
• History of stroke.
• History of breast or uterine cancer.

If you have very heavy bleeding, the benefits of short-term estrogen therapy may outweigh this possible risks.

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Author:	Merrill Hayden	Last Updated February 22, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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