Female hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone, naturally exist in women. As women age, the amount of hormones causes changes to a woman's body. In a young girl, this causes the normal development of sexual characteristics. In an older woman, the hormones tail off, causing menopause and its resultant health issues. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) uses a mix of hormones, though the side effects of this treatment may outweigh the benefits. Side effects of estrogen and progesterone are well-known and well-documented. Side effects of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) can be lethal if the hormone is misused.
Estrogen
Estrogen's side effects commonly include breast tenderness, ankle and leg swelling, a diminished appetite, weight fluctuation, water retention, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. If estrogen is applied through a patch, it can cause an irritation or rash on your skin, as well as a red mark where the patch is placed.
Unlikely side effects include spotting between periods, bleeding gums, pain during menstruation and menstrual flow changes. You might experience an increased number of yeast infections, enlargement of fibroids, symptoms that echo cystitis, diarrhea, hair loss on your scalp, hair growth in new areas, jaundice of the skin and whites of the eyes.
Use of estrogen has also been linked with eye lesions and intolerance for contact lenses. Estrogen use has also been connected to migraines, dizziness, depression and an increased sex drive for women, while for men it may decrease the sex drive.
Though extremely rare, estrogen is associated with strokes, blood clots, dribbling or urinary incontinence that sets in suddenly. You may also lose coordination, experience chest and leg pains or have difficulty breathing, speaking clearly or seeing. Men who use estrogen to treat prostate cancer increase the potential for heart attack, blood clots in the lungs and phlebitis.
Progesterone
The most common side effects of progesterone include breast tenderness, diarrhea, bloating, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, fluid retention, headaches, heartburn, irritability, stomach cramps, tiredness and vomiting.
Progesterone may cause a sudden or severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or facial area, hives, rash or itching. Seek medical attention immediately if this happens. Call your doctor also if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or your urine becomes unusually dark. If you experience numbness or loss of control of one side of your body, seek medical attention, as these may be signs of a stroke.
HCG
HCG is normally present in a woman's body and is a dominant hormone during pregnancy. It is also used to treat infertility by injecting it into the patient.
An unlikely, but life-threatening, side effect is called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which is most likely after the first cycle of infertility treatment. Symptoms of OHSS include severe pain in the pelvic region, swelling of the hands, legs or stomach, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. You may also notice that you are urinating less frequently. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
The use of HCG to treat infertility also increases the potential for multiple births (twins or triplets).
