Does trazodone increase estrogen? (+3 management)
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 study the impact of trazodone on estrogen levels. We will further dig into the mechanism of the increase in estrogen after taking trazodone. We will look at some factors that impact the levels of estrogens.
Does trazodone increase estrogen?
Trazodone may increase estrogen. However, trazodone is not known to directly increase the level of the body. Trazodone is associated with altering levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, histamine, and norepinephrine in the brain.
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that exerts its effects by serotonin antagonism and blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft thus, increasing its levels and activity in the brain (1).
Trazodone is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It is also used as an off-label medication for treating anxiety symptoms, fibromyalgia, and substance abuse in some patients (1).
Estrogen is a steroidal hormone mainly associated with the female reproductive system. It is also associated with many other functions in the body particularly maintaining bone and cardiovascular health (2).
However, trazodone is not directly associated with increasing estrogen levels but may impact reproductive health in some patients. If you are experiencing symptoms related to hormonal imbalances due to trazodone, then consult your healthcare provider.
What does research suggest?
According to research studies, trazodone can be used as a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopausal patients. Estrogen is the most common FDA-approved treatment as hormonal replacement therapy (2).
In some menopausal women who may prefer anon-hormonal treatment for neurovegetative climacteric symptoms, trazodone is a drug of choice. Trazodone acts as a weak but specific inhibitor of serotonin (3).
A study was conducted with 25 menopausal women who were given trazodone (75mg/day) for the treatment of climacteric symptoms. Symptoms of these women were recorded before and after 3 months of the treatment (3).
The results of this study indicated effectiveness in intensity and presence of anxiety, insomnia, and irritability the the menopausal women. However, the intensity of hot flushes in these patients was reduced but not very significantly (3).
However, after the study, it was concluded that trazodone can be an effective replacement of hormonal replacement therapy in menopausal women particularly for alleviating symptoms of anxiety and irritability linked to menopause (3).
What are the effects of increased estrogen levels?
Increased levels of estrogen may cause many effects. Some of the common effects due toincreased estrogenlevels are given below (1):
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Uterine cancer
- Endometriosis
- Breast cancer
- Insulin resistance
- Weight gain
Increased amounts of estrogen do not necessarily cause such effect but may also result in worsening of some conditions. Therefore, if you suspect any abnormal symptoms related to estrogen levels, seek medical help.
How to manage increased estrogen levels due to trazodone?
If your hormonal imbalance is due to trazodone, then you might introduce some lifestyle changes to avoid negative impact of increased estrogen levels. The most efficient way to manage increased estrogen levels due to trazodone is by improving your lifestyle.
Improve your lifestyle by making healthier choices. Consider taking healthy, low-fat, and nutritious meals and avoid alcohol intake which may exacerbate and cause hormonal imbalance.
Include regular physical activity and focus on maintaining a healthy body weight. Reduction in body fat can help in reduced secretion of estrogen from your fat storing cells.
Increased stress is one potential factor leading to increased levels of estrogen. Try to manage and limit your stress levels by indulging in mindful and stress-relieving exercises.
What to do if trazodone increases estrogen levels?
If you suspect an abnormal increase in estrogen after initiating therapy with trazodone, you must consult your healthcare provider. Trazodone is generally a safe medication and may not effect every patient. However, it may be related to cause reproductive health issues affecting libido and sex drive in some patients.
Your healthcare provider might recommend you get your hormonal levels tested to assess your health condition properly. Through hormone testing, any abnormalities in your hormones can be detected to provide effective treatment.
If trazodone is the reason for an abnormal surge of estrogen, then your doctor might either reduce its dosage and frequency or suggest an alternate antidepressant medication that does not cause an abnormality in your hormone levels.
As a pharmacist, I would suggest to always keep track of your symptoms related to hormonal change. This would help in suggesting the appropriate testing and treatment of your condition without affecting your hormonal levels.
However, it is also essential to note that individual patient responses to medication may vary. some patients taking trazodone may suffer an abnormal increase in estrogen levels while others may not.
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References
1.-
Shin JJ, Saadabadi A. Trazodone. [Updated 2022 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560/
2.-
Delgado BJ, Lopez-Ojeda W. Estrogen. [Updated 2023 Jun 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538260/
3.-
Pansini F, Albertazzi P, Bonaccorsi G, Zanotti L, Porto S, Dossi L, Campobasso C, Mollica G. Trazodone: a non-hormonal alternative for neurovegetative climacteric symptoms. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 1995;22(4):341-4. PMID: 8777792. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8777792/
