ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Estrogen overdose

Definition

Estrogen is a female hormone. Estrogen overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of a product containing the hormone.

Poisonous Ingredient

Estrogen

Where Found

Estrogen is an ingredient in birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy products.

Symptoms

• Breast tenderness
• Drowsiness
• Excessive vaginal bleeding (2-7 days following overdose)
• Headache
• Fluid retention
• Mental changes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash
• Urine discoloration

Home Care

Seek immediate medical treatment. Stop taking the estrogen. The overdose 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

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 United States 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.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

If an emergency room visit is necessary, the health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Serious symptoms are very unlikely.