Composition

• Estratest HS was a hormone-replacement drug that comprised Methyltestosterone and esterified estrogens. Esterified estrogens are a combination of several estrogens (an important female hormone). Estrogens are responsible for the development and growth of the female sex organs and the maintenance of female characteristics. Estrogens help reduce bad cholesterol (or LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels in females. They are helpful in reducing the risk of stroke, heart attacks and osteoporosis. Methyltestosterone is a sex hormone that treats the deficiency of testosterone (male sex hormone). In women, it is used to manage breast swelling, pain and breast cancer. Its combination with estrogen effectively manages menopause symptoms.
  
  

Uses

• Estratest HS managed symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, sweating, flushing and vaginal irritation. These symptoms occur when females no longer produce estrogen, estradiol, estrone and estriol--female sex hormones.
  
  

Dosage

• Estratest HS was available as an oral, capsule-shaped, light green tablet. Each tablet had 1.25 milligrams of Methyltestosterone and 0.625 milligram of esterified estrogens. The recommended dosage was one to two tablets daily.
  
  Alternatives to Estratest HS include Menest (manufactured by King Pharmaceuticals Inc.) and Estratab (manufactured by Solvay Pharmaceuticals Inc.), which are both esterified estrogens.
  
  

Side Effects

• Estratest HS may have caused minor side effects, the most common of which included acne, breast enlargement, changed skin sensation, increased or decreased sex drive, deepening of the voice, abdominal cramps, headache, fluid retention, bloating, nausea, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), excessive body hair growth and loss of hair on the scalp. Severe (but relatively uncommon) side effects included allergic reactions (swellings, hives and rashes), vaginal bleeding, breast secretion/tenderness, changes in menstrual cycle, dizziness/fainting, weight loss/gain, weakness, blurred speech and migraines. Less common side effects included breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, dementia, heart attacks and strokes.
  
  

Important Considerations

• Estratest HS may have reacted with certain other drugs including valproate, estradiol, Ramelteon, Xolair and some blood thinners. Estratest HS was not recommended for nursing mothers and pregnant women.