Estratest Uses

Estratest is used for treating moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats. The combination medication, which contains estrogen and a form of testosterone, is prescribed to women who do not respond to estrogens alone. Healthcare providers may sometimes recommend off-label Estratest uses, such as for treating a decreased sex drive in postmenopausal women.

 

An Overview of Estratest Uses

Estratest® (esterified estrogens/methyltestosterone) is a prescription hormone medication that contains a testosterone hormone along with a mixture of estrogens. It is used for treating the following symptoms of menopause in women who do not respond to estrogens alone:
 
  • Moderate to severe hot flashes
  • Moderate to severe night sweats.
     
Estratest has never been approved for any use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
 

Why Is Estratest Used for Menopause?

Menopause is a normal change in a woman's life when she stops having her period. That's why some people call menopause "the change of life." A woman has reached menopause when she has not had a period for 12 months in a row and there are no other causes for this change. Menopause symptoms include:
 
  • Vaginal changes, such as dryness or irritation
  • Changes in your period, including abnormal bleeding or "spotting"
  • Urinary problems
  • Problems with concentration or memory
  • Hot flashes (hot flushes)
  • Night sweats and sleeping problems (including insomnia)
  • Mood changes
  • Thinning and weakening of your bones
  • Less interest in sex and changes in sexual response
  • Weight gain or increase in body fat around your waist
  • Hair thinning or loss.
     
For some women, these symptoms are quite severe and some form of menopause relief may be necessary. This may include medications, natural menopause relief remedies, or non-medical ways to deal with the symptoms.
 
For menopause treatment, Estratest should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest period necessary.
 
Because taking Estratest (or any other estrogen treatment) without progesterone can increase the risk of precancerous or cancerous changes in the uterus, the medication must be combined with a progestin (either continuously or intermittently) in women who still have a uterus. If you have had a hysterectomy (you no longer have a uterus), you can take Estratest alone, without any progesterone.
 
It is important to understand that Estratest has never been approved by the FDA. The FDA has determined that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that adding a testosterone to estrogen provides any additional benefit for treating menopause symptoms.
 
(Estratest Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;