ESTRATEST (ESTERIFIED ESTROGENS AND METHYLTESTOSTERONE)
Purpose of medication and method of action: Estratest is a combination of estrogen and testosterone which is used to treat the vasomotor (hot flashes, flushing) symptoms of menopause. It is also used to increase libido in postmenopausal women.

Side Effects: The most common side effects are similar to those associated with estrogens and include: increased blotchy pigmentation of skin (cholasma). breast tenderness, loss of scalp hair, headache, increase in facial and extremity hair, and fluid retention. Other potential dangers include: an increase in gall bladder disease, blood clotting disorders, increase in blood pressure, and possible increase in incidence of cancer of the breast, cervix, vagina, and liver.

Drug Interactions:  No significant interactions have been reported.

Cautions and Contraindications: Estratest is contraindicated in women with a history of deep vein thrombosis or any other thromboembolic disease.

Usual Dose: One tablet each day.