What is Esterified Estrogens-Methyltestosterone: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Mar 26, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone is a generic prescription drug that combines both female and male sex hormones. It helps relieve menopausal symptoms in women who are not responding to estrogen replacement alone. Because of the risks, doctors prescribe the lowest possible dose and attempt to stop the treatment as soon as it’s feasible. Tablets are taken cyclically—three weeks on, one week off.

Esterified Estrogens-Methyltestosterone overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Estratest H.S.

Generic Names:

  • Esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone

Uses:

  • Treats vasomotor symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Estrogen/Androgen Combination

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Esterified Estrogens-Methyltestosterone used for?

The combination drug, esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone, treats the vasomotor symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. Clinicians use it only when estrogen replacement therapy is not working to control these symptoms.

What form(s) does Esterified Estrogens-Methyltestosterone come in

  • Tablet

    • 0.625 mg esterified estrogens/1.25 mg methyltestosterone

    • 1.25 mg/2.5 mg

What are common Esterified Estrogens-Methyltestosterone doses?

  • For refractory moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms of menopause: one to two tablets at the lowest possible dose daily on a cyclical cycle of three weeks of treatment and one week off.

Common Esterified Estrogens-Methyltestosterone prescriptions

  • Est Estrogens-Methyltest
    0.625-1.25mg tablet

  • Est Estrogens-Methyltest
    1.25-2.5mg tablet

How to take Esterified Estrogens-Methyltestosterone

  • Take this medicine as instructed. The doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.

  • If the doctor has also prescribed a progestogen, take that medicine as instructed.

  • Take the tablets with food to minimize the risk of nausea. 

  • Swallow the tablet with a drink of water.

  • Store the tablets in a closed container at room temperature. Keep the tablets out of the reach of children.

What to do if you miss a dose of Esterified Estrogens-Methyltestosterone

  • Ask the prescriber what to do if a dose is missed.

  • You should not take two doses to compensate for a missed dose.

Esterified Estrogens-Methyltestosterone contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have had a severe allergic reaction to estrogens, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have: 

    • Severe liver disease

    • Unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor

    • Breast cancer or a history of breast cancer (except in people being treated for metastatic breast cancer)

    • Any other cancer that is estrogen-dependent such as uterine or ovarian cancer

    • Active or past blood clots

    • Recent stroke or heart attack

Esterified Estrogens-Methyltestosterone warnings

  • It is not safe to take esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone while pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell the prescriber right away if you become pregnant or plan to breastfeed.

  • Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before surgery, some types of medical tests, or prolonged bed rest.

  • The doctor will need to check on your progress every three to six months to determine if it’s still useful and safe to take this drug. Keep all appointments.

  • Make sure to tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

    • Endometriosis

    • Heart problems

    • Liver problems

    • Kidney problems

    • Thyroid problems

    • Asthma

    • Epilepsy

    • Migraine

    • High calcium

    • High blood pressure

    • High cholesterol

    • Diabetes

    • Lupus

    • Porphyria

  • Estrogen and methyltestosterone therapy can cause serious problems including:

    • Heart attack

    • Stroke

    • Blood clot problems

    • Breast cancer

    • Ovarian cancer

    • Uterine cancer

    • Gallbladder disease

    • Liver dysfunction

    • Severe and potentially life-threatening liver disease

    • Dementia

    • High blood pressure

    • High blood sugar

    • High calcium

    • Low thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism)

    • Fluid retention

Esterified Estrogens-Methyltestosterone interactions

  • To avoid possible drug interactions, tell the prescriber about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements being taken, particularly:

    • Other female hormones

    • Blood thinners

    • Insulin

    • Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

Esterified Estrogens-Methyltestosterone side effects

Serious side effects

Immediately contact a doctor or get medical attention if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding

  • New breast lumps, breast discharge

  • Swelling in your face, hands, ankles, or feet

  • Sudden or severe headache, numbness or weakness on one side of your body, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Leg pain

  • Vision changes

  • Acne, hoarseness, voice changes, menstrual period changes, unwanted facial hair

  • Seizures

  • Yellow skin or eyes

  • Vomiting

  • Shortness of breath

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache

  • Breast pain

  • Irregular vaginal bleeding

  • Abdominal cramps

  • Bloating

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Hair loss

Sources:

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