Table of Contents

I. What is Premarin?

II. What does Premarin Treat?

III. How to Take Premarin

IV. Side Effects of Hormone Therapy

V. Does Premarin Treat Osteoporosis?

What is Premarin?

Premarin is a conjugated estrogen medication used in hormone replacement therapy. Essentially, Premarin is used to replace estrogen in women with conditions that cause a lack of natural estrogen (such as ovarian failure and menopause). Conjugated estrogens like Premarin contain a mixture of estrogen hormones. The estrogen hormone is crucial for regulating many important functions, including cognitive, bone, and cardiovascular health. [1]

Estrogen works together with progesterone for female reproductive health. Estrogen is produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat tissues. Men also have this hormone, but women produce more. In women, estrogen:

• Assists in the formation of breast tissue
• Enhances the mucous membrane that lines the uterus
• Regulates the flow and thickness of uterine mucus secretions
• Maintains the thickness of the vaginal wall
• Stimulates the growth of the egg follicle [1]

If your doctor prescribes Premarin to treat low levels of natural estrogen, visit Canada Pharmacy Service to purchase Premarin Cream or Premarin Tablets. Estrogen replacement therapy has many benefits, but it also comes with certain risks. Read on to learn more about Premarin today.

What does Premarin Treat?

Premarin (conjugated estrogen) is used to treat symptoms of menopause, ovarian failure, and other conditions that may affect estrogen levels, including:

• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• An underactive pituitary gland
• Anorexia nervosa (eating disorder)

In addition to these conditions, Premarin can be used to reduce the risk of bone loss (osteoporosis) in menopausal women. Menopause refers to the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. Symptoms of menopause may include:

• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes
• Chills
• Thinning hair
• Dry skin
• Loss of breast fullness
• Night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes
• Weight gain [2]

Although menopause is a natural process, symptoms of menopause can disrupt your energy levels, sleep, and everyday activities. In addition to menopausal symptoms and ovarian failure, Premarin can be used to treat breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. Ask your doctor about estrogen replacement therapy with Premarin if you have low estrogen levels. [3]  

How to Take Premarin

As mentioned above, Premarin is available as a tablet and a cream for topical application. When prescribing Premarin, your doctor will give you instructions for the proper application of this estrogen drug. Typically, Premarin tablets are taken with or without food, although taking it following a meal may help prevent stomach problems. You should generally avoid chewing or crushing Premarin tablets because doing so can increase the risk of side effects. [4]

Premarin cream is typically administered two times a week for a treatment period of 21 days. Your dosage may be adjusted depending on your reaction to the treatment. It is important not to increase your dose or apply conjugated estrogen for a longer time than directed. If you do not follow your dosing schedule as directed, you may increase the risk of side effects. Speak to your healthcare provider if your condition worsens or does not improve after the treatment period. [5]

Side Effects of Hormone Therapy

Estrogen replacement therapy may not be right for everyone. To ensure you are suitable for ERT, inform your doctor if you have a history of:

• A thyroid disorder
• A hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Gallbladder disease
• Asthma
• Epilepsy
• Lupus
• Migraine
• Endometriosis (misplaced tissue lining)
• Angioedema (sudden swelling)
• Porphyria (nervous system condition)

Side effects of Premarin may include breast lumps, signs of high blood calcium (vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness), and rapid weight gain. Premarin may also cause vaginal itching, hair loss, back pain, and cramps. Serious side effects, such as memory problems, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), vaginal bleeding, and heart attack symptoms, may require immediate help from your doctor.

If you are allergic to Premarin, you may experience hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat, lips, tongue, or face. When taking conjugated estrogen, avoid the use of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and smoking to reduce your risk of blood clots and other adverse side effects. Talk to your physician if you have concerns about Premarin’s side effects. [6]

Does Premarin Treat Osteoporosis?

Menopause can cause women to experience lower-than-normal levels of estrogen, which may lead to a bone loss condition called osteoporosis. In the past, estrogen replacement medicine was the only form of treatment for osteoporosis, but that is not the case today.

Estrogen replacement therapy has been linked to increased risks of uterine cancer, stroke, breast cancer, heart attack, mental decline, and blood clots. These potential side effects are largely why estrogen replacement therapy is not as widely used for preventing osteoporosis.

Despite these potential adverse side effects, Premarin is effective at preventing bone loss in post-menopausal women. If you are at risk of osteoporosis, your doctor may inform you that the benefits of Premarin outweigh the risks. If your doctor determines that Premarin is right for you, they will likely prescribe the lowest dose for the shortest period possible to minimize the risk of side effects. [5]

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.