Estrogen is a sexual hormone; both female and male bodies produce it. Among women, it plays a key role in fertility, mental wellbeing, bone health as well as cardiac health. This hormone’s role in preparing breasts to secrete mother’s milk and regulating fetal development is fairly well known. Low level of estrogen is triggered by chronic renal disorders, thyroid-related problems and a few age-linked conditions. In this milieu, can a drug named spironolactone increase your estrogen level? It becomes an important thing to know more about this.
In women, estrogen level is at its lowest when in those aged above 50 years. This level may drop to as low as 50% during that age group. Apart from age, a few medical conditions (such as kidney or liver problems), eating-related problems, etc. may also lead to a drop in estrogen. You can identify an imbalance through a few characteristic signs such as sleeplessness, sudden increase in body weight, migraines, night-time sweating, hot-flashes, etc. In some women, it may lead to a drop in vaginal smoothness or lubrications; this can cause painful sexual intercourse.
You need to know that a low level of estrogen may lead to damage of bones and may cause fractures. In some people, it may also cause a bone condition called osteoporosis.
Espironolactona
What is spironolactone?
This drug has the needful clearance of the US-based drug approving authority – the food and drug administration (FDA). It is approved for the treatment of numerous problems such as cardiac disorders, edema, etc. Spironolactone works similar to a diuretic medication. Its key task is to reduce liquid accumulated and thus discharge excessive amounts of salts as well as liquids from your body.
Active chemicals of spironolactone are known to inhibit a hormone known as aldosterone. This is critical for the regulation of blood pressure and to ensure proper blood circulation. As an extended use, spironolactone is administered for the case management of skin conditions like acne.
Does the use of spironolactone boost estrogen level?
As mentioned here, spironolactone is known for its anti-androgen properties. This property makes it a reliable drug to reduce the effect of male sexual hormones. This is possible as the key ingredients inhibit these hormones from binding to their respective receptors. Though it is known for its capabilities to alter sexual hormones, it does not have the needful clearance to be used as a birth control drug or a contraceptive.
The anti-androgenic capabilities of spironolactone help supplement estrogen level. This drug hence forms of testosterone-blocking therapy (or androgen-blocker therapies). Owing to this, it is also categorised under T-blocking drugs; T stands for testosterone. The initial dosage of this med is 50 milligrams (mg) per day. Upon sensing how well your body responds to the first few doses, the strength is slowly increased – if an enhancement is needed.
Beware of a few adverse effects spironolactone may cause
Spironolactone can trigger some side effects. Commonly observed adverse effects include tenderness of breasts, a significant decrease in sexual urge (libido), drying of skin, frequent need to pee, etc. In a few people, an accumulation of salts – chiefly, potassium – is noticed.
In some women, very severe effects can show. These are a marked decrease in filtration rate of kidneys, imbalanced level of salts/electrolytes, swelling / rashes or other related skin conditions. If you are experiencing one or more of these adverse effects – i.e., upon taking spironolactone, it is highly recommended to consult with your caregiver or drive to a healthcare setting – like a clinic – as quickly as possible. Those who are residents of Canada must call Health Canada or reach out to a poison control unit functioning closer to your place. People in the US must contact 911 on ana emergency mode.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
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