Estratest

Estratest is a combination of esterified estrogens (female sex hormones) and methyltestosterone (a man-made form of testosterone). When these two hormones are combined, they can be very useful in treating symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, burning and irritation. Estratest was manufactured by Solvat Pharmacueticals Inc., and made $110 million in 2001. The FDA never approved the use of Estratest to treat menopausal women, even though the manufacturer marketed the drug for that use.

In 2003, the FDA announced that the use of estrogen/androgen therapies (such as Estratest) was no more effective than estrogen therapies at treating hot flashes. Although Estratest is not an FDA-approved menopause medication, it has still been marketed as an excellent alternative to other drugs.

Serious side effects may include:

• Chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling
• Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance
• Swelling, rapid weight gain
• Confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior
• Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your stomach
• Nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Breast lump, nipple discharge
• Acne, skin color changes, increased facial hair, male pattern baldness, voice changes
• Changes in your menstrual periods, break-through bleeding

Less serious side effects may include:

• Mild nausea, stomach upset
• Swollen or painful breasts
• Headache
• Hair Loss
• Depression, anxiety
• Decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm