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.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
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)
Fluid retention
Headache
Mental changes
Nausea and vomiting
Skin rash
Urine discoloration
Home Treatment
Seek immediate medical treatment. Do NOT make the person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.
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
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.
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.
Expectations (prognosis)
Serious symptoms are very unlikely.
Review Date:
12/15/2011
Reviewed By:
Eric Perez, MD, St. Luke's / Roosevelt Hospital Center, NY, NY, and Pegasus Emergency Group (Meadowlands and Hunterdon Medical Centers), NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.