Conjugated estrogens for the treatment of menopausal symptoms: a review of safety data.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) are widely used for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, such as vasomotor symptoms and vulvovaginal atrophy, and for the prevention of bone loss, in postmenopausal women. The safety profile of CEE has been extensively published over the past 20 years.

AREAS COVERED:

Data from randomized controlled trials and from observational studies on the effects of CEE on the risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer or hyperplasia, other cancers, cardiovascular outcomes, and cognitive function are reviewed. When used alone, CEE are not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and may be associated with reduced mortality. The risk of cardiovascular events with CEE may be reduced in women who are more recently postmenopausal.

EXPERT OPINION:

Numerous clinical studies have evaluated the safety of CEE. The data reviewed in this article describe the breast, endometrial, and cardiovascular safety of unopposed CEE. International recommendations describe CEE as the menopausal symptom treatment of choice, particularly in young or recently postmenopausal hysterectomized women.

• Authors: Sebastian Mirkin, Barry S Komm, James H Pickar
• Journal: Expert opinion on drug safety (Expert Opin Drug Saf) Vol. 13 Issue 1 Pg. 45-56 (Jan 2014) ISSN: 1744-764X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23919270 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Estrogens, Conjugated (USP)

Topics

• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Menopause
• Postmenopause
• Risk
• Time Factors