Does Pristiq affect hormones? (3+ findings)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether or not Pristiq affects hormones, studies highlighting the relationship between Pristiq and hormonal disruption, factors that may contribute to hormonal imbalance while taking Pristiq, what you should do if Pristiq causes hormonal imbalance, and tips and recommendations for managing hormonal change while taking Pristiq.
Does Pristiq affect hormones?
Yes, Pristiq can affect hormones. Pristiq is the brand name of the antidepressant medication desvenlafaxine. It belongs to the class of drugs known as SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors).
Pristiq functions by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These natural neurotransmitters can influence certain hormones in your body. (1)
Elevated serotonin levels can have an impact on the production of stress hormones such as cortisol, which can lead to changes in sleep patterns, mood, and other hormone-related functions. (2)
Additionally, Pristiq may hinder the synthesis of sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone. This can result in changes in the menstrual cycle and an increased risk of hot flashes. On the other hand, Pristiq is sometimes prescribed as an off-label medication in the treatment of hot flashes in menopausal women or patients who are contraindicated to use estrogen. (1)
Consult your healthcare practitioner if you experience hormone imbalances while taking Pristiq.
What does research suggest?
There is limited research on the effects of Pristiq on hormones. However, a study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) in treating menopausal vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
The study found that desvenlafaxine significantly reduced the number and severity of daily moderate to severe hot flashes, as well as the number of nighttime awakenings caused by hot flashes.
However, the study also found that desvenlafaxine was associated with several adverse events and treatment discontinuation. Therefore, more research is needed to fully understand how Pristiq affects hormones and whether it can lead to hormone imbalances in certain individuals. (3)
What factors might contribute to hormonal imbalance while taking Pristiq?
There are several factors that might contribute to hormonal imbalance while taking Pristiq such as: (4)
Certain periods of life: There are certain periods of life that can cause hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. They can increase hormonal changes while taking Pristiq.
Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, tumors, and endocrine gland conditions can induce hormonal imbalance while taking Pristiq.
Concomitant medications: Certain medications such as birth control pills, HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), and steroids can increase hormonal imbalance while taking Pristiq.
Stress: Stress can induce hormonal imbalance while taking Pristiq. Stress can disrupt the balance of hormones in your body.
For example, when you’re stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisol, which can cause a variety of changes in your body, including a change in your blood sugar, blood pressure, and heart rate.
What should you do if Pristiq causes hormonal imbalance?
If Pristiq causes hormonal imbalance, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your medication dose. Your healthcare provider might gradually reduce your Pristiq dose over a period of weeks or months.
According to your situation, your healthcare provider might reduce your dose by 10-20% per week. You should take the reduced dose for at least one week before reducing the dose again.
You may experience hormonal imbalance as well as other side effects like nausea and dizziness while taking Pristiq. However, Pristiq generally takes 4 to 6 weeks to start working. These side effects usually fade away as your body adjusts to the medication.
Additionally, your healthcare provider will thoroughly evaluate your situation to determine whether Pristiq is the cause of hormonal imbalance or whether there is an underlying medical condition such as tumors or an endocrine gland disease that causes the hormonal imbalance.
After careful evaluation, if Pristiq is the cause of hormonal imbalance and if this side effect is persistent despite reducing your dose, your healthcare provider might switch you to an alternative with fewer adverse effects.
What are Pristiq alternatives if it causes hormonal imbalance?
There are certain alternatives to Pristiq if it causes hormonal imbalance such as:
Escitalopram (Lexapro): It is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of drugs known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Escitalopram can cause less hormonal imbalance than Pristiq.
Additionally, Escitalopram was shown to be effective in treating hot flashes in individuals with hormonal imbalances. (5)
Fluoxetine (Prozac): It is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of drugs known as SSRIs. Fluoxetine may have a lower risk of causing hormonal imbalances than Pristiq. (6)
Based on my knowledge and research, Pristiq can cause hormonal imbalances in certain individuals. In my opinion, every person differs in response to different medications, and not everyone experiences hormonal imbalances while taking Pristiq.
However, if you experience hormonal imbalances while taking Pristiq, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your medication dose or switching to an alternative with fewer adverse events.
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References
1.-
Naseeruddin R, Rosani A, Marwaha R. Desvenlafaxine [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534829/
2.-
TAFET GE, TOISTER-ACHITUV M, SHINITZKY M. Enhancement of serotonin uptake by cortisol: A possible link between stress and depression. Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience. 2001 Mar 1;1(1):96–104. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12467107/#:~:text=Accordingly%2C%20the%20elevated%20cortisol%20induced,expressed%20in%20symptoms%20of%20depression.
3.-
Berhan Y, Berhan A. Is desvenlafaxine effective and safe in the treatment of menopausal vasomotor symptoms? A meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomized double-blind controlled studies. Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences. 2014 Jul 31;24(3):209. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4141224/
4.-
Cleveland Clinic. Hormonal imbalance: Causes, symptoms & treatment [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22673-hormonal-imbalance
5.-
Freeman EW. Efficacy of Escitalopram for Hot Flashes in Healthy Menopausal Women. JAMA. 2011 Jan 19;305(3):267. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3129746/
6.-
Domingues RR, Wiltbank MC, Hernandez LL. The antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac®) modulates estrogen signaling in the uterus and alters estrous cycles in mice. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. 2023 Jan;559:111783. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10038119/
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