Estratest

Estratest is a prescription medication used for treating moderate to severe night sweats or hot flashes. Specifically, it is approved for women who have not responded well to estrogen treatment alone. The combination drug, which contains estrogen and a form of testosterone, has not been approved by the FDA. Estratest tablets, which are generally taken once a day, are available in two different strengths.

 

What Is Estratest?

Estratest® (esterified estrogens/methyltestosterone) is a prescription medication that contains a mixture of estrogen hormones along with a form of testosterone. It is used for treating moderate to severe hot flashes or night sweats that have not responded to estrogen treatment alone. Estratest (as well all other estrogen/testosterone combination medications) has never been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
 
(Click Estratest Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Estratest?

The medication is made by Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
 

How Does It Work?

During and after menopause, women experience a drop in estrogen levels. This is responsible for most menopause symptoms. The estrogens in Estratest work to relieve these symptoms by replacing the estrogen that the ovaries no longer produce.
 
Methyltestosterone is a form of testosterone, a male hormone. It is not clear why (or even if) the methyltestosterone in Estratest works for treating symptoms of menopause.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;