FitSugar

Feeling Hormonal?

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Are you feeling hormonal? Hormones course through our veins regulating so many functions (and feelings) of our bodies. They ebb and flow too, with the levels of hormones changing throughout the month. Many of our everyday actions can affect our hormone levels.

So, if you are feeling hormonal maybe this quiz will help you figure out why!

Source

Take the quiz

Women's Hips and Breast Cancer

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

You wouldn't think that your hips had anything to do with breast cancer, but new research shows a connection. The size and shape of a mother's hips may affect her daughter's risk of breast cancer.

There was a study conducted with 6,370 Finnish women. Those born to mothers with relatively wide hips had a rate of breast cancer that was three times higher than those born to mothers with thinner hips. The rate was nearly seven times higher if the daughter was not the first born.

What constitutes "relatively wide hips"? The widest distance between the wing-like structures at the top of the pelvis is called the intercristal diameter. A woman is more likely to develop breast cancer if her mother's hips have an intercristal diameter of more than 11.8 inches.

Why is that? To find out read more

Wide, rounded hips mean higher concentrations of estrogen, which may in turn boost a daughter's risk of breast cancer. It happens in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the embryo's developing breast tissue is exposed to their mother's estrogen levels.

While I am not quite sure how to process or use this information, it certainly is interesting. Since we don't choose our mothers, I wouldn't worry too much about this bizarre connection. There's only a higher possibility of breast cancer risk, not a definite certainty. Just keep doing your monthly breast exams, especially if you are not the first born child of a wide hipped mama.

Source

Sunscreen and Breast Cancer Risk

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 03:30:00 -0700

I have heard rumors lately that sunscreen can cause breast cancer. Sounds frightening doesn't it? Our tried and true enemy against skin cancer and wrinkling may be an enemy itself? Well, it doesn't seem to be true, but the answer is a little bit more complicated.

Here's the deal: some ultraviolet (UV) filters used in sunscreen may mimic estrogen according to animal and laboratory studies and thereby disrupt the endocrine system. Just to review a little human biology, the endocrine system uses hormones to regulate functions like metabolism, growth and development. However, there is no evidence that human exposure to these types of endocrine disruptors in the low levels used in sunscreen create health problems. In fact, a study using human volunteers found that even though UV filters were absorbed by the skin, they had no effect on the volunteers over all health or hormone levels, even estrogen.

Hopefully more research will be done on this matter. In the mean time, if you are concerned about messing with your endocrine system look for sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (these block the UV rays rather than filter them), since these ingredients are not absorbed by your skin and they don't mimic estrogen.

Source

Essential Oils Enlarge Boys' Breasts?

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 13:00:00 -0800

Hmmm? I wouldn't believe it unless I read it myself. But a recent study suggests that lavender and tea tree oils found in some shampoos, soaps, and lotions can temporarily leave boys with enlarged breasts in rare cases, apparently by disrupting their hormonal balance.

The condition, gynecomastia, developed (pun intended) with 3 boys, and researchers suspected that the oils might be upsetting the boys’ hormonal balance. So they did a series of laboratory tests to check how these oils work within human cells.

The oils appeared to mimic estrogen (the hormone in women that causes breast growth) and blocked the male hormone androgen.

The good news is that it happens infrequently and clears up when the oils are no longer used.

Isn't that crazy? My first question then would be, can this news work towards the advantage of women seeking bigger boobs? No word on that yet, but this definitely gives new meaning to the term "Man-boobs."

Conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:01:44 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Conjugated Estrogens (KON-joo-gated ES-troe-jenz), Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (me-DROKS-ee-proe-JES-te-rone AS-a-tate)

Treats lack of estrogen and progestin in your body caused by menopause or removal of the ovaries. Also helps prevent osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones). This medicine is a combination of hormones.

Brand Name(s)

Prempro, Prempro Low Dose, Premphase

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to estrogen or progestin, or if you have had a hysterectomy. You should not use this medicine if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding, blood clots, circulation problems, liver disease, cancer of the breast or uterus, or if you have had a stroke. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, migraine headaches, seizures, heart failure, or depression, or gall bladder, kidney, or liver disease.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Long-term use of large doses of estrogens may increase your risk of some kinds of cancer, including breast cancer. Your doctor should examine your breasts for lumps and other changes on a regular schedule. Examine your breasts at home every month. If you have questions about cancer risks or breast self-examination, talk with your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Lump in your breast
Pain in your chest or lower leg (calf)
Severe headache
Severe stomach pain or swelling
Shortness of breath, coughing up blood
Sudden vision changes
Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
Yellowing of skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Bloated feeling, weight gain, swelling in hands, feet, or ankles
Breast tenderness or swelling
Changes in sexual desire
Depression, dizziness
Mild nausea or vomiting

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_4738

Synthetic conjugated estrogens, B (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:12:20 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Conjugated Estrogens Synthetic B

Treats symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes (warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest) and vaginal dryness, which may cause pain with sex.

Brand Name(s)

Enjuvia

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to estrogen, or if you are pregnant. Do not use this medicine if you have liver disease or certain kinds of cancer, such as cancer of the breast or uterus. You should not use this medicine if you have had a heart attack, stroke, or a problem with blood clots, such as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a lung embolism, in the past year. Do not use this medicine if you have unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicine for thyroid problems (such as levothyroxine or Synthroid®) or a blood thinner (such as warfarin or Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, gallbladder problems, high or low levels of calcium in your blood, or a history of cancer. Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had liver problems caused by estrogen use or during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you have endometriosis (uterus problem), asthma, epilepsy, migraine headaches, lupus, or porphyria (an enzyme problem).
Taking large amounts of this medicine over long periods of time may increase your risk for having some kinds of cancer. This risk may continue even after you stop using the medicine. Talk to your doctor about your personal risks compared with the benefits of this medicine.
Using this medicine may increase your risk for having blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks. This risk may continue even after you stop using the medicine. Your risk for these serious problems is even greater if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol in your blood, or diabetes. Your risk is also greater if you are overweight or smoke cigarettes. Talk to your doctor about your personal risks compared with the benefits of this medicine.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.
This medicine may increase the risk for having dementia (loss of some mental abilities, such as memory or judgment) in women over 65 years old. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Breast lump.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
Confusion or memory problems.
Dizziness or fainting.
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
Pain in your lower leg (calf).
Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Trouble seeing or double vision.
Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Breast pain.
Hair loss.
Nausea, vomiting, bloating, or stomach pain or cramps.
Spotty or irregular vaginal bleeding.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5504

Synthetic conjugated estrogens, A (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:12:19 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Conjugated Estrogens Synthetic A

Treats symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes (warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest) and dryness in the vagina.

Brand Name(s)

Cenestin

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to estrogen or if you are pregnant. Do not use this medicine if you have liver disease or certain kinds of cancer, such as breast cancer. You should not use this medicine if you have had a heart attack, stroke, or a problem with blood clots (such as DVT, deep vein thrombosis, or an embolism) in the past year. Do not use this medicine if you have unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicine for thyroid problems (such as levothyroxine, Synthroid®) or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, or a history of cancer or gallbladder problems. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, high triglycerides in your blood, or low levels of calcium. Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had liver problems caused by estrogen use or during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you have endometriosis, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, lupus, or porphyria (an enzyme problem).
Taking large amounts of this medicine over long periods of time may increase your risk of some kinds of cancer. This risk may continue even after you stop using the medicine. Talk to your doctor about your personal risks compared with the benefits of this medicine.
Using this medicine may increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. This risk may continue even after you stop using the medicine. Talk to your doctor about your personal risks compared with the benefits of this medicine.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or any situation where you must rest or not move for a long time.
This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
This medicine may increase the risk of dementia (loss of some mental abilities, such as memory or judgment) in women over 65 years old. Talk with your doctor about this risk.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Breast lump.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
Pain in your lower leg (calf).
Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
Trouble seeing, double vision, or migraine headache.
Unusual vaginal bleeding.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Breast pain.
Nausea, stomach pain, bloating, vomiting.
Spotty vaginal bleeding.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5503

Conjugated estrogens (Vaginal)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:50:37 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Conjugated Estrogens (KON-joo-gated ES-troe-jenz)

Treats vaginal dryness, itching, and burning caused by low estrogen levels.

Brand Name(s)

Premarin Vaginal

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to estrogens, if you may be pregnant, or if you have breast cancer or certain other types of cancer (unless your doctor recommends using this medicine), blood-clotting problems, or unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor.

How to Use This Medicine

Cream

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. In some cases you may use this medicine for only part of each month.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Wash the applicator with warm, soapy water after use. Do not boil the applicator or use hot water.
This medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Use at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®). Avoid using other vaginal products unless your doctor tells you to.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. This medicine may cause latex or rubber condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps to break. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, gallbladder problems, high blood pressure, cancer, asthma, epilepsy, migraine headaches, diabetes, endometriosis, fibroids in your uterus (womb), bone disease, depression, history of liver problems during pregnancy, or a family history of breast cancer or high cholesterol or triglycerides.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine (usually 6 months to 1 year). Be sure to keep all appointments.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine before you have surgery or if you need to stay in bed for an extended time. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
Using large amounts of this medicine over long periods of time may increase your risk of some kinds of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your personal risks compared with the benefits of this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Breast lumps (in women or men)
Nausea, vomiting, fever, or pain, swelling, or tenderness in the upper right stomach
Pain in the chest or lower leg
Sudden or severe headache, changes in vision, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood
Unusual vaginal bleeding
Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Breast pain or tenderness
Increased vaginal itching or discharge
Mild nausea, vomiting, cramps, bloating
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0409

Esterified estrogens/methyltestosterone (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:50:27 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Esterified Estrogens (es-TER-i-fide ES-troe-jenz), Methyltestosterone (meth-il-tes-TOS-te-rone)

Treats symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes. Estrogens are female hormones and methyltestosterone is a male hormone.

Brand Name(s)

Estratest, Estratest H.S., EEMT, EEMT HS, Essian, Essian HS, Syntest DS, Covaryx, Covaryx HS

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to estrogens or androgens. You should not use if you are pregnant (or think you may be pregnant), if you are breastfeeding, or if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding. You should not use if you have severe liver disease, or have heart or circulation problems, including a history of blood clots, or breast cancer.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.

If a dose is missed:

Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store at room temperature; protect from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Tell your doctor if you are taking blood thinners (such as Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, migraine headaches, heart disease, kidney disease, depressed mood, or liver disease.
You should see your doctor regularly (usually every 6 months to 1 year) while taking this medicine.
Unless you have had a hysterectomy (uterus removed), check with your doctor about whether you should also take progesterone.
Large doses of this medicine taken over long periods of time may increase the risk of some kinds of cancer. Talk to your doctor about this risk.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Severe stomach pain or swelling
Heavy vaginal bleeding
Chest or leg (calf) pain
Shortness of breath
Severe headache or vomiting
Breast lumps

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Mild nausea or vomiting
Bloated feeling
Mild dizziness
Headache
Changes in sexual desire
Swollen or tender breasts
Fluid retention and weight gain
Contact lens discomfort
Depressed mood

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0394

Conjugated estrogens (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:47:47 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Conjugated Estrogens (KON-joo-gated ES-troe-jenz)

Treats symptoms of menopause and lack of estrogen. Prevents osteoporosis after menopause. Treats symptoms of breast or prostate cancer in certain people. This medicine is a female hormone.

Brand Name(s)

Premarin, Premphase

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to estrogens, or if you have liver disease, blood clots, or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovary. You should not use this medicine if you have vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
You may take this medicine with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using thyroid replacement (Synthroid®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or other types of female hormones (such as Provera®, Prometrium®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding, or if you have a history of breast cancer, endometriosis, fibroid tumors in your uterus (womb), or high cholesterol or triglycerides. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, gallbladder problems, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, cancer, lupus, asthma, epilepsy, migraine headaches, or diabetes.
Taking large amounts of this medicine over long periods of time may increase your risk of some kinds of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your personal risks compared with the benefits of this medicine.
Using this medicine may increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. This risk may continue to be increased for many years after you stop using the medicine. Your risk of these serious medical problems is even greater if you smoke cigarettes or if you are over age 35.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
Breast changes, lumps, or discharge (in women or men).
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
Confusion, memory problems, lightheadedness or fainting.
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
Pain in your lower leg (calf).
Rapid weight gain.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
Unexpected vaginal bleeding.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Breast pain or tenderness.
Darkened skin on your face or other areas.
Discomfort with wearing contact lenses.
Hair loss on your head, or hair growth on your face, arms, or chest.
Menstrual-type cramps.
Mild headache or dizziness.
Mild nausea, stomach pain, bloating, gas.
Mood changes or depression.
Vaginal itching or discharge.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0187