Medical Questions » Hormones Questions » Question No. 518
| Question: | I have been given a drug called Premarin for my hot flushes, but I am worried that it might cause cancer. |
| Answer: | Premarin is a form of female hormone (oestrogen) that is used in women who are having symptoms during their menopause, to prevent osteoporosis, to control abnormal menstrual bleeding, to treat some types of bteast cancer and to prevent breast engorgement after a confinement. It is therefore a very valuable drug.
There are no problems with womb cancer if used for less than a year. If taken for long periods of time, there is some evidence that the incidence of cancer of the womb may increase slightly. This problem may be overcome quite easily. The Premarin may be taken cyclically (ie. for only three weeks of every month), and a second hormone (progestogen) should be added for the last ten to 14 days of the Premarin dose each month.
Some doctors use other variations of this combined dosage schedule such as a constant dose of both Premarin (or orher oestrogen) and a very low dose progestogen.
All women on these regimes should have full gynaecological examination every year.
If used strictly as directed, there is no increase in risk of womb cancer, and excellent control of many quite serious or disabling conditions can be achieved. If you are concerned, discuss the matter further with your doctor.
|
|
|
