How Long Does it Take Premarin to Work?

Time Frame

The hormone medication Premarin takes approximately one to three weeks to begin relieving hot flashes. With more time, hot flashes and night sweats will decrease in severity and occur less frequently. Vaginal symptoms such as dryness, itching and burning may take longer, about three weeks, to respond to Premarin or other hormone medications.

How It Works

Premarin is an estrogen medication that is used to combat symptoms of menopause. When women go through menopause, their ovaries stop producing estrogen. Women lose their fertility, and their bodies have other chemical reactions including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and loss of vaginal lubrication leading to painful intercourse. Loss of estrogen can also lead to bone loss, sometimes causing osteoporosis. Menopause can also be surgically induced when a woman's ovaries are removed. Premarin and other hormone medications replace part of the lost estrogen, starting to relieve symptoms in as little as one week. Bone loss is slowed by the additional estrogen, helping to stave off osteoporosis.

Warning

Progesterone for Irregular Menstruation

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Estrogen may increase the chances of developing uterine and breast cancer, heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and dementia. The lowest possible dosage should be used, and women should consult their doctors about whether supplemental estrogen is appropriate for them.

Types

There are three different types of Premarin. Premarin tablets are oral estrogen pills for women who have had a hysterectomy. Women who still have their uteruses should get a balance of estrogen and progestin, which is provided in Prempro tablets. For women who only have problems with vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, Premarin Cream can be applied directly to vaginal tissue. It takes longer for Premarin to affect vaginal tissue, usually about three weeks.