Estratest is a medication prescribed to women with menopause. It contains both estrogen and testosterone in one pill. Estratest is designed to restore libido, fight hot flashes, and increase bone density. Hot flashes and night sweats are called vasomotor symptoms. Estratest fights vasomotor symptoms.
However, Estratest does cause harmful side effects. Some doctors have asked that Estratest be taken off the market because they believe the potential benefits of the drug do not outweigh the side effects. Side effects include:
- increased blood pressure
- acne
- facial hair
- weight gain
- anger
- liver disease
Researchers also do not completely understand what the long-term side effects of taking testosterone might be.
Menopause usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, and lasts between 4 and 8 years. Menopause is the end of a women’s menstrual cycle, and occurs when levels of estrogen and progesterone are decreased and pregnancy becomes impossible. Symptoms include:
- halt of menstrual cycle
- weight gain
- insomnia
- night sweats
- joint pain
- decreased libido
- mood swings
- urinary tract infections
- memory problems
Estratest is designed to decrease some of the symptoms, especially night sweats and hot flashes.
