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Cenestin
Cenestin is approved to help relieve certain symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. This prescription drug contains a mixture of synthetic estrogen hormones and works by replacing the estrogen that the ovaries no longer produce. It comes in tablet form and is taken once a day. Possible side effects include nausea, breast pain, and irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting.
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Cenestin® (conjugated estrogens) is a prescription medication that contains a mixture of synthetic (manufactured) estrogen hormones. It is approved for treating menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
(Click Cenestin Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Cenestin is made by Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
During and after menopause, women experience a drop in estrogen levels, as well as a shift in the balance of estrogens that the body produces. Before menopause, the ovaries produce the main source of estrogen, and the main type of estrogen produced is known as estradiol. After menopause, the main source of estrogen is androstenedione, which is produced by the adrenal gland and is converted into an estrogen known as estrone. Menopausal symptoms and changes result from both the decrease in estrogen and the shift from estradiol to estrone.
As mentioned, Cenestin is a mixture of synthetic estrogens. It helps to relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing the estrogen that the ovaries no longer produce. Unlike many other estrogen products, it does not contain any hormones produced by horses.
Some general considerations for when and how to use Cenestin include the following:
- This medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth once a day.
- You can take Cenestin with food or on an empty stomach. If the drug bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- It does not matter what time of day you take Cenestin, although it is best to take it at the same time each day.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD