Estrone sulfate (medication)

Estrone sulfate is a medication used in hormone replacement therapy. It is a naturally occurring estrogen that is converted in the body from estrone, a form of estrogen that is produced primarily from the adrenal glands.

Pharmacology

Estrone sulfate is a prodrug of estrone, meaning it is metabolically converted into estrone in the body. It is one of the three main estrogens produced in the human body, the others being estradiol and estriol. Estrone sulfate is the most abundant circulating estrogen in postmenopausal women.

Medical uses

Estrone sulfate is used in hormone replacement therapy to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It is also used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. In addition, it is used in the treatment of some types of breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Side effects

Like all medications, estrone sulfate can cause side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps, breast pain or tenderness, headache, hair loss, weight changes, and vaginal bleeding. More serious side effects can include blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and cancer of the uterus.

Interactions

Estrone sulfate can interact with other medications, including blood thinners, thyroid medications, insulin or oral diabetes medications, and other hormones such as progesterone or testosterone.

See also

• Estrogen
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Menopause
• Osteoporosis
• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer