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Estrogen overdose

Definition

Estrogen overdose is poisoning that occurs when you receive more than the recommended amount of estrogen hormones. Estrogens are found in birth control prescriptions and hormone replacement therapy.

Poisonous Ingredient

Estrogen

Where Found

NOTE: This list may not be all inclusive.

  • Chlorotrianisene (Tace)
  • Conjugated estrogens (Premarin)
  • Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
  • Estradiol cypionate (Depo-Estradiol)
  • Esterified estrogens
  • Estradiol (Estrace)
  • Estradiol transdermal system (Estraderm)
  • Estradiol valerate
  • Estrogenic substance
  • Estrone aqueous suspension
  • Estropipate (Estrone)
  • Ethinyl estradiol and ethynodiol diacetate (Demulen)
  • Ethinyl estradiol (Estinyl)
  • Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol (Nordette, Tri- Levlen, Triphasil)
  • Mestranol and ethynodiol diacetate (Ovulen)
  • Mestranol and norethindrone (Ortho-Novum 1/50)
  • Mestranol and norethynodrel (Enovid)
  • Norethindrone (Micronor, Nor-Q.D.)
  • Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol (Loestrin, Norlestrin)
  • Norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol (Brevicon, Ortho-Novum 1/35, Modicon, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Ovcon)
  • Norgestrel (Ovrette)
  • Norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol (Lo/Ovral, Ovral)
  • Quinestrol

Symptoms

  • Excessive vaginal bleeding (2-7 days following overdose)
  • Fluid retention
  • Breast tenderness
  • Discoloration of urine
  • Rash
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Mental changes

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical treatment. Stop taking the estrogen. The poisoning is not usually life threatening. 

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • Patient's age, weight, and condition
  • The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
  • When it was swallowed
  • The amount swallowed
  • If the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Expectations (prognosis)

Serious symptoms are very unlikely.

Review Date: 2006-02-13
Reviewed By: Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA MedicalCenter, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © HealthProfessor LLC. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.