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Estrogen overdose

Definition:
Estrogen overdose is poisoning from exposure to more than the recommended amount of estrogen hormones in medications. Estrogens are found in birth control prescriptions and hormone replacement therapy, and may be administered orally, injected, or absorbed into the skin. Overdose would most likely be from oral medications.

Poisonous Ingredient:

Estrogen

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Where Found:
  • Chlorotrianisene (Tace)
  • Conjugated estrogens - injectable (Premarin)
  • Conjugated estrogens - oral (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
  • 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
  • Ethinyl estradiol (Estinyl)
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

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:
Discontinue the estrogen. The poisoning is unlikely to be life threatening, but if an overdose has occurred call Poison Control for further instructions.

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:
Call Poison Control or your local emergency number -- they will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. If possible, take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room:

In the emergency room, symptoms will be treated.

Note: A trip to the emergency room will probably not be necessary. Poison Control or a physician will instruct you if it's necessary.



Expectations (prognosis):
Serious symptoms are very unlikely.



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