TABLE 2

Hormone therapy: Contraindications and precautions

Contraindications. In general, estrogen therapy should not be used in women with any of the following conditions:
Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
Known, suspected, or history of cancer of the breast
Known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia including endometrial cancer
Active deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or history of these conditions
Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke, myocardial infarction) or a history of these conditions
Known anaphylactic reaction or angioedema in response to any ingredient in the medication
Known liver impairment or disease
Known protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other known thrombophilic disorders
Known or suspected pregnancy
Caution should also be exercised in women with:
Gallbladder disease (oral estrogen therapy)
Hypertriglyceridemia (> 400 mg/day) (oral estrogen therapy)
Diabetes
Hypoparathyroidism (risk of hypocalcemia)
Benign meningioma
Intermediate or high risk of breast cancer
High risk of heart disease
Migraine with aura (can be used, but may exacerbate condition)
Asthma (rare chance of exacerbation)
Epilepsy
Porphyria
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Hepatic hemangioma
  • Based on information in reference 3.