What happens if you overdose on oestrogen

There are three main types of estrogen:. When estrogen levels rise or fall, this can affect many areas of the body, including the reproductive system, skin, hair, bones, muscles, brain, and breast tissue. Fluctuations can also have these effects in males, as everyone has some breast tissue. There are several reasons why estrogen levels can become high. They may rise as a result of:. Any of the above might lead to a hormonal imbalance. In females, estrogen dominance happens when estrogen levels are high compared with the amount of progesterone in the body, which is one of the other main female sex hormones.

In males, estrogen can also become high relative to the amount of testosterone in the body if testosterone levels become low.

Learn more about low testosterone. If a person has consistently high estrogen for an extended period, this increases their risk of:. High estrogen may also worsen preexisting conditions, such as asthma or epilepsy. A study in South Korea found an association between high levels of free estriol and an increased risk of gestational diabetes in pregnancy. In females showing signs of estrogen dominance, diagnostic tests may not be necessary to prove that the estrogen ratio is out of balance.

The reason for this is that many of the recommendations that doctors might make to reduce estrogen levels are generally beneficial to overall health and unlikely to cause harm. However, if an underlying medical condition may be causing high estrogen levels, a doctor might run tests to determine whether there is an imbalance and confirm the root cause.

Doctors also monitor estriol levels in high risk pregnancies. In females, doctors can measure all three types of estrogen via blood testing. In males, they only measure estradiol and estrone. The treatment for high estrogen depends on the underlying cause.

HRT has also been associated with an increased risk of blood clots and certain types of cancer. Find out more about the risks of HRT. The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from any type of medicine you are taking.

Page last reviewed: 09 September Next review due: 09 September Health Topics. Health Tools. Estradiol Estrace. Reviewed: November 28, Estradiol is a type of estrogen — a hormone that plays an important role in the female body. Estradiol works by replacing estrogen that your body normally produces. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: heart disease; liver problems, or jaundice caused by pregnancy or taking hormones; kidney disease; gallbladder disease; asthma; epilepsy or other seizure disorder; migraines; lupus; endometriosis or uterine fibroid tumors; hereditary angioedema; porphyria a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system ; a thyroid disorder; or high levels of calcium in your blood.

Side Effects. Side Effects What are the side effects of Estradiol Estrace? Call your doctor at once if you have: heart attack symptoms --chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; signs of a stroke --sudden numbness or weakness especially on one side of the body , sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; signs of a blood clot --sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, pain or warmth in one or both legs; swelling or tenderness in your stomach; jaundice yellowing of the skin or eyes ; memory problems, confusion, unusual behavior; unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain; a lump in your breast; or high levels of calcium in your blood --nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, lack of energy.

Common side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps; mood changes, sleep problems insomnia ; cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat; weight gain; headache, back pain; breast pain; thinning scalp hair; or vaginal itching or discharge, changes in your menstrual periods, breakthrough bleeding.

Interactions What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Estradiol Estrace? What should I do if I missed a dose of Estradiol Estrace? If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Estradiol Estrace , call your doctor or the Poison Control center.

It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If an emergency room visit is necessary, the provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated. Treatment may include:. Aronson JK. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; Meehan TJ.