(Ethinyloestradiol)

Indications: Ethinylestradiol is used for short-term treatment of symptoms of oestrogen deficiency, for osteoporosis prophylaxis if other drugs cannot be used and for the treatment of female hypogonadism and menstrual disorders.

Ethinylestradiol is occasionally used under specialist supervision for the management of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. For use in prostate cancer.

Cautions: cardiovascular disease as it causes sodium retention with oedema, thromboembolism, hepatic impairment (jaundice).

Contra-indications: see under Combined Hormonal Contraceptives and under Oestrogen for HRT.

Side Effects: Include nausea, fluid retention, and thrombosis. Impotence and gynaecomastia have been reported in men.

Dose Menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis prophylaxis, (with progestogen for 12–14 days per cycle in women with intact uterus), 10–50 mcg daily for 21 days, repeated after 7-day tablet-free period

Female hypogonadism, 10–50 mcg daily, usually on cyclical basis; initial oestrogen therapy should be followed by combined oestrogen and progestogen therapy Menstrual disorders, 20–50 mcg daily from day 5 to 25 of each cycle, with progestogen added either throughout the cycle or from day 15 to 25.

Pregnancy: Epidemiological evidence suggests no harmful effects on fetus.

Breast feeding: Avoid till 6/12 to prevent adverse effects on lactation