Dehydroepiandrosterone Disease Interactions

The use of estrogens is contraindicated in patients with undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding. Prolonged (> 1 year), unopposed estrogen use (i.e. estrogen without concomitant progestin therapy) has been associated with a significant, dose-related risk of endometrial carcinoma. The risk may be offset substantially by the addition of a progestin but may not be completely abolished. Prior to initiating estrogen therapy, appropriate diagnostic tests should be performed in patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding to rule out endometrial malignancy. The same applies if recurrent or persistent bleeding develops during estrogen therapy.

The use of estrogens is generally contraindicated in patients with known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia such as breast and endometrial cancer, since it may stimulate tumor proliferation. High dosages of estrogens may be used for the palliative treatment of inoperable, metastatic breast cancer, but only in appropriately selected men and postmenopausal women.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.