A variety of endocrine and urogenital effects can occur during conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone therapy. Changes in sexuality include libido increase or libido decrease. Positive changes in libido may occur as a result of improvements in vulvar and vaginal atrophy. Vaginal discharge (leukorrhea), vaginal irritation, vaginal candidiasis, vaginitis, cervicitis, or changes in cervical erosion (e.g., cervical ectropion) may appear. Changes in vaginal bleeding pattern and breakthrough bleeding and spotting are commonly reported with estrogens and/or progestins. Amenorrhea is desirable in many postmenopausal women and not considered to be an adverse effect of estrogen therapy, and occurred in roughly 25% or more of women using conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone at 1 year of use. Metrorrhagia, dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain occur infrequently. In clinical trials, adverse events occurring in 5% or more of patients who received conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone included changes in vaginal bleeding pattern, cervical disorder (not specified, 4%), dysmenorrhea (3% to 13%), leukorrhea (4% to 5%), vaginal candidiasis (4% to 8%) and vaginitis (4% to 7%). In postmenopausal women, changes in uterine bleeding patterns will usually taper and stabilize within 3 to 6 months of beginning cyclic or continuous HRT combinations. Unusual vaginal bleeding, menorrhagia, or spotting that persists beyond 6 months in any woman on estrogen therapy should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Estrogens may also cause enlargement of uterine leiomyomatas (fibroids) if present. A cystitis-like syndrome has also been reported. For women who have a uterus, adequate diagnostic measures such as endometrial sampling, when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in cases of undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal vaginal bleeding. Women who take estrogens should follow advice regarding annual pelvic examinations and periodic Papanicolaou smears.[49260]

Breast changes that may occur with conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone therapy include mastalgia (breast pain) and breast tenderness, which occur in 8% to 12% of women on chronic estrogen HRT; breast pain was reported in 13% to 33% of women taking conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone during clinical trials. Breast enlargement (2% to 5%), breast discharge, galactorrhea, and fibrocystic breast changes have been reported with estrogens and/or progestin therapy. Gynecomastia may occur in men taking estrogen therapy. Patients should report breast changes, lumps, or breast discharge to their health care professionals. All women should receive yearly breast examinations by a healthcare provider and perform monthly breast self-examinations. In addition, mammography examinations should be scheduled based on patient age, risk factors, and prior mammogram results.[49260]

In clinical trials, gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events reported to occur in >= 5% of patients who received conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone included dyspepsia (5—8%), diarrhea (5—7%), flatulence (5—9%), and nausea (7—11%).[49260] Stomach/abdominal pain or cramps, bloating, and nausea sometimes associated with vomiting are common adverse effects of estrogens. Consider benign hepatic adenoma if abdominal pain/tenderness, abdominal mass, or hypovolemic shock is present, as the adenoma may rupture and cause intraabdominal hemorrhage. Benign hepatic adenomas appear to be associated with the use of oral contraceptives, and enlargement of hepatic hemangiomas has been reported with estrogen and/or progestin therapies. Estrogens enhance hepatic lipoprotein uptake and inhibit bile acid synthesis, resulting in increased concentration of cholesterol in the bile which can lead to biliary obstruction, cholestasis, and cholelithiasis. Cholestatic jaundice and an increased incidence of gallbladder disease have also been reported. A 2- to 4-fold increase in the risk of gallbladder disease requiring surgery (e.g., cholecystitis) in postmenopausal women receiving estrogens has been reported.[25473] Estrogens may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. For patients with a history of cholestatic jaundice associated with past estrogen use or with pregnancy, use conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone cautiously. If cholestatic jaundice recurs, discontinue the estrogen.[49260] Rare adverse reactions (< 1%) include hepatitis (and elevated hepatic enzymes), enlargement of hepatic hemangiomas, ischemic colitis (bowel ischemia, no incidence reported), or pancreatitis. In patients with preexisting hypertriglyceridemia, estrogen therapy may be associated with elevations of plasma triglycerides leading to pancreatitis and other complications. Estrogens may induce peliosis hepatis, a very rare consequence of taking estrogens and combined oral contraceptives that is characterized by the presence of blood-filled spaces.[51257] Persistent or severe abdominal symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.[49260]

Deep and superficial venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, and stroke have been reported with estrogens and/or progestin therapy. The use of estrogens in postmenopausal women, with or without a progestin, carries a risk for thromboembolism, and cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke. Detailed information regarding what is known about thromboembolic and cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women is available in the boxed warnings and precautions section of the product labeling for the products, as these risks must be considered prior to use of HRT in women, and with consideration to age and other risk factors for these events. Risks vary with the use of estrogen-alone vs. use of estrogen with progestin therapy. Should any of these events occur or be suspected, discontinue the estrogen or estrogen-progestin therapy immediately.[49260]

Estrogens can cause sodium and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral edema (4%) or mild weight gain.[49260] Conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone should be prescribed cautiously to patients in whom edema formation would be detrimental. Estrogens and progestins also can slightly increase blood pressure, occasionally causing hypertension. Data indicate in most patients the change is not clinically significant. In a small number of case reports, substantial increases in blood pressure have been attributed to idiosyncratic reactions to estrogens. In a large, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, a generalized effect of estrogens on blood pressure was not seen. In the PEPI trial, postmenopausal women 45—65 years of age randomized to any hormone replacement therapy regimen experienced increases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 3—5% after the first year of treatment, but the increases were not statistically different from placebo.[24010]

Headache has been noted with use of estrogens such as conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone. A severe headache may be a warning sign of a serious adverse event such as a stroke or retinal problems (e.g., thrombosis) in the eye. Discontinue the estrogen pending examination if there is sudden partial or complete loss of vision or sudden onset of migraine. If examination reveals a serious event, estrogens should be permanently discontinued. The relationship of headache, specifically migraine headache, and the administration of estrogens is not clearly defined. A number of changes can occur when a woman initiates HRT and include 1) migraines can appear for the first time, 2) a change in frequency, severity and duration of migraine headaches may be seen, or 3) an improvement or decrease in the occurrence of migraine headaches. Such adverse events are not frequent. When initiating therapy an individual's headache pattern should be observed and if migraines worsen consider discontinuing therapy. In addition, growth potentiation of benign meningioma has been reported during post marketing surveillance.[49260]

Mental depression, nervousness or anxiety, and mood disturbances such as emotional lability and irritability have been reported with estrogens and/or progestin therapy. Complaints of insomnia or fatigue may be associated with the underlying menopausal complaints or may be associated with treatment. In clinical trials, adverse events reported to occur in patients who received conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone included depression (5—11%), anxiety or nervousness (2—4%), insomnia (6—7%), and dizziness (3—5%).[49260] Women with a history of depression may need special monitoring. If significant depression occurs, estradiol should be discontinued.

Estrogens can cause a variety of dermatological and allergic reactions. In clinical trials, pruritus (4—10%) and rash (unspecified) (4—6%) were noted in conjugated estrogen; medroxyprogesterone recipients. Chloasma or melasma, in the form of tan or brown patches, may develop on the forehead, cheeks, temples, and upper lip. These skin changes may persist after the drug is discontinued. Erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, hemorrhagic eruption, loss of scalp hair or alopecia, hirsutism, pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylactoid reactions have been reported with estrogens and/or progestins.[49260] In some cases estrogens or progestins may induce or aggravate an existing acne vulgaris.

Retinal thrombosis has been reported in patients receiving estrogens such as conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone. Discontinue medication pending examination if there is sudden visual impairment either partial or complete or a sudden onset of proptosis, diplopia, or migraine. If examination reveals papilledema, visual loss, or retinal vascular lesions, permanently discontinue estrogens. Exogenous estrogen use can cause a conical cornea to develop from steepening or increased curvature of the cornea, caused by thinning of the stroma. Patients with contact lenses may develop intolerance to their lenses.[49260]

Conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone can cause impaired carbohydrate metabolism and impaired glucose tolerance, leading to hyperglycemia in some women taking HRT. In the PEPI trial, fasting glucose levels were lower, and mean 2-hour glucose levels were 8% higher, in combined HRT treated women versus placebo in all treatment arms. The effects appeared to be consistent across demographic, clinical, and lifestyle variables.[24010]

Conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone is known to cause teratogenesis during pregnancy and are in FDA category X.[49260] Increased risk of a wide variety of fetal abnormalities, including modified development of sexual organs, cardiovascular anomalies and limb defects, have been reported following the use of estrogens or synthetic progestins alone in pregnant women. In any patient in whom pregnancy is suspected, pregnancy should be ruled out before continuing estrogen-progestin use.

There is an association of unopposed estrogen therapy and endometrial hyperplasia in women with an intact uterus. Adding a progestin to estrogen therapy, such as medroxyprogesterone, has been shown to reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer. The incidence of endometrial hyperplasia due to conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone (using a cyclic or continuous progestin regimen) is 1% or less. Clinical surveillance of all women using estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin therapy is important. Adequate diagnostic measures, including directed or random endometrial sampling when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in postmenopausal women with undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal vaginal bleeding. The reported endometrial cancer risk among unopposed estrogen users is about 2- to 12-times greater than in non-users, and appears dependent on duration of treatment and on estrogen dose. Most studies show no significant increased risk associated with use of estrogens for less than 1 year. The greatest risk appears associated with prolonged use, with increased risks of 15-to 24-fold for 5 to 10 years or more, and this risk has been shown to persist for at least 8 to 15 years after estrogen therapy is discontinued. There is no evidence that the use of natural estrogens results in a different endometrial risk profile than synthetic estrogens of equivalent estrogen dose.[49260] [60224] [23505] [27272]

Numerous epidemiologic studies have examined the effects of estrogen and estrogen-progestin hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the development of new primary malignancy (e.g., breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer) in postmenopausal women. Detailed clinical study information regarding what is known about cancer risk in postmenopausal women is available in the boxed warnings and precautions section of the product labeling for the products, as these risks must be considered prior to use of HRT in women, and with consideration to age and other risk factors for these events. The risk for endometrial cancer is increased in women who take unopposed estrogen. Adding a progestin to estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer. Proper surveillance is important. At diagnosis endometrial cancers in estrogen recipients are generally of an earlier stage and a lower grade and show less myometrial invasion than tumors in women who have not used estrogen. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen plus progestin study reported increased risks of invasive breast cancer in patients taking combined estrogen-progestin HRT vs. placebo. The potential risk of breast cancer may increase with longer duration of use. Women who used hormonal therapy for menopausal symptoms also had an increased risk for ovarian cancer, but data are still uncertain if risk is associated with a specific duration of use.[23505] [27272] [32125] [27273] [50638] [49260]

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), both estrogen/progestin combination therapy and estrogen alone therapy, fails to prevent mild impaired cognition (memory loss) and is positively associated with the risk of developing dementia in women 65 years and older; do not use HRT to prevent or treat dementia or preserve cognition (memory).[49260] When data from the 2 populations in the WHIMS estrogen-alone and estrogen plus progestin ancillary studies were pooled as planned in the WHIMS protocol, the reported overall relative risk for probable dementia was 1.76 (95% CI 1.19 to 2.60, p = 0.005). Since both ancillary studies were conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women.[27451] [32126] [50638] In the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS) estrogen plus progestin ancillary study, a population of 4,532 postmenopausal women 65 to 79 years of age was randomized to daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) or placebo. After an average follow-up of 4 years, 40 women in the CE plus MPA group and 21 women in the placebo group were diagnosed with probable dementia. The relative risk of probable dementia for CE plus MPA versus placebo was 2.05 (95% CI, 1.21 to 3.48). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE plus MPA versus placebo was 45 vs. 22 cases per 10,000 women-years.[27451] In the WHIMS estrogen-alone ancillary study of WHI, a population of 2,947 hysterectomized women 65 to 79 years of age was randomized to daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone or placebo. After an average follow-up of 5.2 years, 28 women in the estrogen-alone group and 19 women in the placebo group were diagnosed with probable dementia. The relative risk of probable dementia for CE-alone versus placebo was 1.49 (95% CI, 0.83 to 2.66). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE-alone versus placebo was 37 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years.[32126]

In women with a history of cardiovascular disease, the use of estrogen and progestin combination therapy (e.g., conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone) increases the risk of developing urinary incontinence. Patients in the HERS study who did not have urinary incontinence prior to the studies initiation were observed to determine if hormone replacement therapy was helpful in preventing urinary incontinence. The study found that women who received estrogen/progestin therapy were almost twice as likely as patients receiving placebo to develop urge incontinence and 3 times as likely to develop stress incontinence after 1 year of treatment. At 4 years, the effect of hormone replacement therapy became even more pronounced, increasing the risk to 3.23 for urge incontinence and to 4.81 for stress incontinence. The applicability of these findings to women who use estrogen alone is unclear.[27457]

Adverse events that have been reported with conjugated estrogen; medroxyprogesterone include aggravation of porphyria, arthralgia, leg muscle cramps, hypocalcemia, and exacerbations of asthma and systemic lupus erythematosus.[49260]

Estrogen administration may lead to severe hypercalcemia in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases. If hypercalcemia occurs, discontinue the estrogen and take appropriate measures to reduce the serum calcium concentration.[49260]

Exogenous estrogens may exacerbate symptoms of angioedema in individuals with hereditary angioedema.[49260]

Estrogens are generally contraindicated in patients with a history of, or known or suspected breast cancer. The use of estrogen-alone and estrogen plus progestin has been reported to result in an increase in abnormal mammograms, requiring further evaluation. All women taking estrogen with or without a progestin should receive an annual clinical breast examination, perform monthly self-examinations, and have regular mammograms as recommended by their health care professional based on patient age, risk factors, and prior mammogram results.[49260] Since the 1970's, numerous epidemiological studies have examined the association of estrogens or combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer (new primary malignancy).[23505] The most important randomized clinical trial providing information about breast cancer in estrogen-alone users is the Womens Health Initiative (WHI) substudy of conjugated estrogens (CE, 0.625 mg/day)-alone. In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, daily estrogen monotherapy was not associated with an increased risk of invasive breast cancer [relative risk (RR) 0.80].[27531] [32125] The most important randomized clinical trial providing information about breast cancer in patients taking combined estrogen-progestin HRT regimens is the WHI substudy of CE (0.625 mg/day) plus MPA (2.5 mg/day).[27530] [27272] After a mean follow-up of 5.6 years, the WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported an increased risk of invasive breast cancer in women who took daily CE plus MPA vs. placebo. In this substudy, prior use of estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin therapy was reported by 26 percent of the women. The relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.24, and the absolute risk was 41 versus 33 cases per 10,000 women-years, for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. Among women who reported prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.86, and the absolute risk was 46 vs. 25 cases per 10,000 women-years for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. Among women who reported no prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.09, and the absolute risk was 40 vs. 36 cases per 10,000 women-years for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. In the same WHI substudy, invasive breast cancers were larger, were more likely to be node positive, and were diagnosed at a more advanced stage in the combined HRT group compared with the placebo group. Metastatic disease was rare, with no apparent difference between the 2 groups. Other prognostic factors, such as histologic subtype, grade and hormone receptor status did not differ between the 2 groups.[27530] Consistent with the WHI clinical trial, observational studies have also reported an increased risk of breast cancer for estrogen plus progestin therapy, and a smaller increased risk for estrogen-alone therapy, after several years of use. Increased risks were dependent on the duration of use and could last up to more than 10 years after stopping treatment. Extension of the WHI Trials also demonstrated increased breast cancer risk associated with estrogen plus progestin therapy. Observational studies also suggest that the risk of breast cancer was greater, and became apparent earlier, with estrogen plus progestin therapy as compared to estrogen-alone therapy. These studies have not generally found significant variation in the risk of breast cancer among different estrogen plus progestin combinations, doses, or routes of administration.[49260] While estrogen therapy may be used rarely for the palliative treatment of advanced breast cancer in men and women, estrogen administration may lead to severe hypercalcemia in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases. If hypercalcemia occurs, use of the drug should be stopped and appropriate measures taken to reduce the serum calcium level.[49260]

Conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone products are contraindicated in the presence of estrogen-responsive tumors, including ovarian cancer. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen plus progestin substudy reported a statistically non-significant increased risk of ovarian cancer in women taking combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT). After an average follow-up of 5.6 years, the relative risk for ovarian cancer for estrogen (conjugated estrogens, CE) plus a progestin (medroxyprogesterone, MPA) versus placebo was 1.58 (95% CI, 0.77 to 3.24). The absolute risk for CE plus MPA versus placebo was 4 versus 3 cases per 10,000 women-years.[17829] A meta-analysis of 17 prospective and 35 retrospective epidemiology studies found that women who used HRT for menopausal symptoms had an increased risk for ovarian cancer. The primary analysis, using case-control comparisons, included 12,110 cancer cases from the 17 prospective studies. The relative risk associated with current use of hormonal therapy was 1.41 (95% CI, 1.32 to 1.5); there was no difference in the risk estimates by duration of the exposure (less than 5 years [median of 3 years] vs. greater than 5 years [median of 10 years] of use before the cancer diagnosis). The relative risk associated with combined current and recent use (discontinued use within 5 years before cancer diagnosis) was 1.37 (95% CI, 1.27 to 1.48), and the elevated risk was significant for both estrogen-alone and estrogen plus progestin products. The exact duration of hormone therapy use associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, however, is unknown.[49260]

Conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone therapy is contraindicated in patients with known estrogen-dependent malignancies. There is an association of unopposed estrogen therapy and endometrial cancer in women with an intact uterus. Adding a progestin to estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer. Clinical surveillance of all women using estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin therapy is important. Adequate diagnostic measures, including directed or random endometrial sampling when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in postmenopausal women with undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal vaginal bleeding. The reported endometrial cancer risk among unopposed estrogen users is about 2- to 12-times greater than in non-users, and appears dependent on duration of treatment and on estrogen dose. Most studies show no significant increased risk associated with use of estrogens for less than 1 year. The greatest risk appears associated with prolonged use, with increased risks of 15-to 24-fold for 5 to 10 years or more, and this risk has been shown to persist for at least 8 to 15 years after estrogen therapy is discontinued. There is no evidence that the use of natural estrogens results in a different endometrial risk profile than synthetic estrogens of equivalent estrogen dose. With concurrent progestin use (cyclically or continuously), the incidence of endometrial hyperplasia due to conjugated estrogens is estimated to be 1% or less.[49260] [23505] [27272]

Conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone products are contraindicated in the presence of vaginal cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, or other estrogen-responsive tumors. Clinical surveillance of all women using estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin therapy is important; all women receiving estrogen treatment should have an annual pelvic examination and other diagnostic or screening tests, such as cervical cytology, as clinically indicated or as generally recommended based on age, risk factors, and other individual needs. Because estrogens influence the growth of endometrial tissues, use conjugated estrogens cautiously in women with endometriosis or uterine leiomyoma (uterine fibroids). A few cases of malignant transformation of residual endometrial growths have been reported in women treated post-hysterectomy with estrogen-alone therapy. For women known to have residual endometriosis post-hysterectomy, the addition of a progestin should be considered to reduce the risk of endometrial tissue growth.[49260]

Estrogens are contraindicated in patients with an active or past history of stroke, thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism, thromboembolic disease, or myocardial infarction (MI). An increased risk of cerebrovascular disease (stroke) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has been reported with unopposed estrogen therapy. An increased risk of thromboembolism, including pulmonary embolism (PE), DVT, stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) has been reported with estrogen plus progestin hormone replacement therapy (HRT), such as conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone. Should any of these events occur or be suspected, discontinue conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone products immediately.[49260] Estrogens are also contraindicated for patients with known protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, or antithrombin deficiency or other known thrombophilic disorders associated with increased risk of venous thrombosis. Other risk factors for arterial vascular disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, tobacco smoking, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity) and/or venous thromboembolism (VTE) [e.g., personal history or family history of VTE, obesity, or systemic lupus (SLE)] should be monitored and managed appropriately.[49260] A positive relationship between estrogen use and an increased risk for thromboembolism has been demonstrated. In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, the risk of VTE (DVT and PE) was increased for women receiving daily unopposed estrogen compared to placebo (30 vs. 22 per 10,000 women-years), although only the increased risk of DVT reached statistical significance (23 vs. 15 per 10,000 women years). The increase in VTE risk was demonstrated during the first 2 years. In the WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy, a statistically significant 2-fold greater rate of VTE was reported in women receiving estrogen plus progestin HRT compared to women receiving placebo (35 vs. 17 per 10,000 women-years). Statistically significant increases in risk for both DVT (26 vs. 13 per 10,000 women-years) and PE (18 vs. 8 per 10,000 women-years) were also demonstrated. The increase in VTE risk was demonstrated during the first year and persisted.[17825] [27272] Estrogens with or without progestins should not be used for the prevention of cardiac disease or cardiovascular disease (e.g., coronary artery disease). In the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen-alone substudy, no overall effect on coronary heart disease (CHD) events (defined as non-fatal MI, silent MI, or CHD death ) was reported in women receiving conjugated estrogen-alone compared to placebo. Subgroup analyses of women 50 to 59 years of age suggest a statistically non-significant reduction in CHD events (CE-alone vs. placebo) in women with less than 10 years since menopause (8 vs. 16 per 10,000 women-years). In the WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy, there was a statistically non-significant increased risk of CHD events reported in women receiving daily estrogen plus progestin compared to women receiving placebo (41 vs. 34 per 10,000 women-years). An increase in relative risk was demonstrated in year 1, and a trend toward decreasing relative risk was reported in years 2 through 5.[27272] [17808] Studies have also shown no cardiovascular benefit to the use of estrogens or estrogen-progestin therapy for secondary prevention in women with documented cardiac disease or CHD.[25473] [27270] Estrogens also increase the risk for stroke. In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, a statistically significant increased risk of stroke was reported in women 50 to 79 years of age receiving estrogen-alone compared to women in the same age group receiving placebo (45 vs. 33 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in risk was demonstrated in the first year and persisted. Subgroup analyses of women 50 to 59 years of age suggest no increased risk of stroke for those women receiving estrogen-alone versus those receiving placebo (18 vs. 21 per 10,000 women-years). In the WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy, a statistically significant increased risk of stroke was reported in women 50 to 79 years of age receiving estrogen plus progestin HRT compared to women in the same age group receiving placebo (33 vs. 25 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in risk was demonstrated after the first year and persisted. Women over the age of 65 years were at increased risk for non-fatal stroke.[38488] [27272] Patients with hypertension should be monitored closely for increases in blood pressure if estrogens are administered. In a small number of case reports, substantial increases in blood pressure have been attributed to idiosyncratic reactions to estrogen therapy. In a large, randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial, a generalized effect of estrogens on blood pressure was not seen. Estrogens may cause some degree of fluid retention. Women with conditions that might be influenced by this factor, such as a cardiac disease, warrant careful observation when estrogens are prescribed.[49260] In men treated with estrogens for palliation of prostate or breast cancer, estrogens have increased the risk of nonfatal MI, PE, and thrombophlebitis.

If feasible, conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone therapy should be discontinued at least 4 to 6 weeks before any surgery associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, or during any periods of prolonged immobilization. The decision on when to resume estrogens after such procedures or conditions would be based on the perceived additional thromboembolic risk from estrogen use and the need for estrogen therapy; resume only after the patient is fully ambulatory. In addition, women taking conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone should be advised to move about periodically during travel involving prolonged immobilization.[49260]

Conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone products are contraindicated for use during pregnancy. There appears to be little or no increased risk of birth defects in children born to women who have used estrogens and progestins as an oral contraceptive inadvertently during early pregnancy. However, increased risk of a wide variety of fetal abnormalities, including modified development of sexual organs, cardiovascular anomalies and limb defects, have been reported following the chronic use of estrogens in pregnant women. There is no FDA-approved indication for the use of conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone products in pregnancy.[49260]

Caution should be used if a breast-feeding mother is receiving conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone products. In general, these products should not be used during lactation. Estrogen administration to nursing women has been shown to decrease the quantity and quality of the breast milk. Detectable amounts of estrogens and progestins have been identified in the breast milk of women receiving these drugs.[49260]

Estrogens are contraindicated in people with hepatic disease or impairment of any type. Estrogens may be poorly metabolized in those with impaired liver function. For people with a history of cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy or due to past estrogen use, caution should be exercised, and in the case of recurrence, estrogen therapy should be discontinued. Estrogen therapy may cause an exacerbation of porphyria and hepatic hemangiomas and should be used with caution in people with these conditions. Estrogens have been reported during trials to increase the risk of gallbladder disease (e.g., cholestasis, cholelithiasis and cholecystitis) by roughly 2- to 4-fold in postmenopausal women; use with caution in patients with a history of gallbladder disease.[25473] [49260]

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may have increased risk for thromboembolism and should be managed appropriately when estrogen therapy is considered.[49260] Approximately 85% of patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are females, giving support to the notion that hormonal influences, especially estrogen, contribute to the pathophysiology of SLE. Accordingly, hormone replacement therapy (HRT; e.g., conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone) has been reported to induce, unmask, and exacerbate lupus; case reports, anecdotal data, and the prospective Nurses Health Study indicate that a temporal relationship between HRT and lupus exist. However, several retrospective studies dispute a relationship between estrogens and lupus, and the SELENA trial, a large prospective, randomized clinical trial evaluating the safety of estrogen therapy (both as oral contraceptives and HRT in postmenopausal women) in patients with SLE has been completed and is being analyzed. Determining the risk of estrogen therapy in SLE patients is important as postmenopausal women with lupus can benefit from HRT; not only does it offer relief from postmenopausal symptoms (vasomotor symptoms, genital symptoms, and emotional lability), but it has the additional benefit of protecting patients from bone fracture and postmenopausal or drug-induced (i.e., chronic corticosteroid or cyclophosphamide therapy) osteoporosis. Women with hypercoagulable states are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism when taking HRT; given the increased prevalence of hypercoagulable states in patients with SLE (in particular antiphospholipid antibodies), the use of HRT in this population may be even more risky as the incidence of strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots is increased in general in women taking HRT. Unfortunately, definitive recommendations regarding the use of HRT in patients with SLE are not available. The results of the SELENA trial should provide evidence regarding the use of HRT in this population.[31435] [31436]

In women with pre-existing hypertriglyceridemia, estrogen therapy may be associated with elevations of plasma triglycerides leading to pancreatitis. Consider discontinuation of conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone treatment if pancreatitis occurs.[49260]

Retinal vascular thrombosis has been reported in women receiving estrogens. Any visual disturbance should be examined by an ophthalmologist. Discontinue conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone pending examination if there is sudden partial or complete loss of vision, or a sudden onset of proptosis, diplopia, or migraine with visual changes. If examination reveals papilledema or retinal vascular lesions, estrogens should be permanently discontinued.[49260] Estrogen therapy may cause an exacerbation of migraine or a change in headache patterns and should be used with caution in women with migraine. Patients who complain of migraine with focal neurologic visual changes should be evaluated, and in some patients, such changes may indicate cerebrovascular events. Estrogens can increase the curvature of the cornea and may lead to intolerance of contact lenses.

Patients with risk factors for arterial vascular disease (e.g., diabetes mellitus), which may increase the risk for thromboembolism, should be monitored and managed appropriately during conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone therapy. Patients with diabetes mellitus should be observed for changes in glucose tolerance when initiating or discontinuing estrogen therapy, since estrogen therapy may exacerbate diabetes. Altered glucose tolerance secondary to decreased insulin sensitivity has been reported.[49260]

Use conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone with caution in patients with thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism. Estrogens can increase thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) levels. Patients with normal thyroid function can compensate for the increased TBG by making more thyroid hormone, thus maintaining free T4 and T3 serum concentrations in the normal range. Patients dependent on thyroid hormone replacement therapy who are also receiving estrogens may require increased doses of their thyroid replacement therapy. These patients should have their thyroid function monitored in order to maintain their free thyroid hormone levels in an acceptable range.[49260]

Because conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone may cause fluid retention, conditions that might be affected by fluid retention, such as heart disease or renal disease, require careful observation. Estrogen therapy may also cause an exacerbation of asthma, seizure disorder, and hepatic hemangiomas in some patients and should be used with caution in women with these conditions.[49260]

Mood disorders, like depression, may be aggravated in women taking exogenous estrogens or progestins. Women with a history of depression may need special monitoring. If significant depression occurs, conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone therapy should be discontinued.

Estrogen therapy should be used with caution in women with hypoparathyroidism as estrogen-induced hypocalcemia may occur.[49260]

Administration of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should generally be avoided in geriatric adults 65 years of age and older. HRT should not be used to prevent or treat dementia or preserve cognition (memory). Overall risk vs. benefit should be considered along with the goals of use of HRT for the individual patient over 65 years of age.[27451] [32126] [50638] Clinical trials have shown that HRT, both estrogen/progestin combination therapy and estrogen alone therapy, fails to prevent or treat mild cognitive impairment (memory loss) and also increases the risk of dementia in geriatric women 65 years and older.[49260] According to the Beers Criteria, oral, topical patch, or other systemic estrogens (with or without progestins) are potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) for use in geriatric adults and should be avoided due to evidence of carcinogenic potential and lack of protective cardiovascular or cognitive effects. Oral or transdermal estrogen is not effective for management of postmenopausal urinary incontinence. Use of vaginal estrogen is acceptable for the management of dyspareunia, recurrent lower urinary tract infections, and other vaginal/vulvar symptoms.[63923]

Conjugated estrogens; medroxyprogesterone products are not indicated and have not been studied clinically in pediatric patients. The safety and efficacy of estrogens have not been established in neonates, infants or children.[49260] Large and repeated doses of estrogen over an extended time period have been shown to accelerate epiphyseal closure, which could result in short stature if treatment is initiated before the completion of physiologic puberty in normally developing children.[40617]