Is Premarin a Safe Menopause Drug for Symptom Relief?

Premarin is among the most commonly prescribed medications for women experiencing discomforting symptoms associated with menopause. Premarin is one brand of conjugated estrogen products used for estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). When women experience menopause or undergo a hysterectomy, diminishing levels of estrogen in their bodies may cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms and unhealthy side effects.

As the name implies, estrogen replacement therapy aims at alleviating symptoms by relieving hormone deficiencies within the body. Not only can a menopause drug such as Premarin help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, it is also used to reduce the increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease associated with menopause.

What Exactly is Premarin?

As a conjugated estrogen product, Premarin consists of a mixture of estrogen salts. Sodium estrone sulphate and sodium equilin sulfate are the key compounds in Premarin. The ingredients in Premarin are naturally derived substances collected primarily from the urine of pregnant mares. It is administered via the lowest possible of five dosage varieties in tablets or topical creams.

Is Premarin Safe?

Your doctor will need to determine the level of safety involved in prescribing Premarin on an individual basis. A careful consideration of medical history and the severity of symptoms will contribute to a responsible evaluation of ERT eligibility.

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant are advised against taking Premarin as it is known to cause birth defects. Women who are breast feeding should discuss the effects of Premarin on the composition of breast milk, as well.

Special consideration must be given to the following conditions in determining the safety of Premarin administration:

• Circulation or blood clotting disorders


• Abnormal vaginal bleeding


• Breast, uterine or certain other cancers

The following conditions may also limit safe administration of Premarin and should be discussed with your doctor prior to the start of ERT:

• Liver disease


• Kidney disease


• High blood pressure or heart disease


• Asthma


• Epilepsy


• High cholesterol


• Diabetes


• Gallbladder disease


• Uterine fibroids


• Diabetes


• Epilepsy

Certain other conditions may also affect your eligibility for safe administration of Premarin. A variety of medications may interact with Premarin. Women should discuss all medical conditions past and present and make their doctor aware of any medications they are currently or have recently taken prior to the administration of Premarin.

What Risks are Associated with Premarin?

Studies have determined there are several risks associated with Premarin, particularly under certain circumstances. Premarin is associated with an increased risk of the development of endometrial hyperplasia, which can lead to uterine cancer. Taking progestin in conjunction with Premarin can decrease this risk.

Heart attack, stroke, blood clots and breast cancer are other risks associated with Premarin use. Taking Premarin at the lowest possible dose for the shortest period of time necessary for symptom alleviation is one way of counteracting these risks.

Regular medical examinations are another way women can help ensure risks are minimized during the use of any menopause drug.