Estradiol

What is Estradiol?

Estradiol, also known as estrogen or female hormones that control many bodily processes, is one form. You can get it as a tablet or gel, as a vaginal cream or suppository, or even as an injection.Menopausal women can use estradiol to reduce symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal changes and hot flashes. It also helps to protect them from osteoporosis. Estradiol can also be used to increase estrogen levels in women who have ovarian dysfunction. The drug is used to treat breast and prostate cancers.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of estradiol.

Side effects of Estradiol

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to estradiol, seek immediate medical attention: Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, tongue, or mouth

If you experience:

• Symptoms of a heart attack: pain or pressure in the chest; spreading pain to the jaw, shoulder, or neck; nausea and sweating; vomiting;
• Symptoms of stroke include sudden weakness or numbness (especially one-sided), a severe headache, and slurred or mumbled speech.
• Signs of a blood clot: sudden vision loss, stabbing pain in the chest, shortness of breath, blood coughed up, or pain or warmth on one or both of your legs.
• You may experience swelling in the stomach or tenderness.
• Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Memory problems, confusion, and unusual behavior
• Unusual vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain
• A lump on your breast, or
• Constipation; muscle weakness; or pain in the bones.

Common estradiol side effects may include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps;
• Mood changes, sleep problems (insomnia);
• Symptoms of a cold, such as a swollen nose and sinus pain,
• Weight gain
• Headache, back pain, dizziness;
• Breast pain
• Darkening or rash of the skin;
• Hair loss on the scalp
• Breakthrough bleeding.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Estradiol should be avoided if: you suffer from undiagnosed bleeding in the vaginal area; liver diseases or bleeding disorders; have had a stroke or heart attack; or have a history of breast cancer or any other type of cancer.Do not use estradiol if you are pregnant.Estradiol can increase the risk of uterine carcinoma. Do not ignore any abnormal bleeding.Estradiol is not recommended to treat heart disease or stroke. It should also be avoided for dementia.While using this medication, you should have regular mammograms and physical examinations. You can also self-examine the breasts to check for lumps every month.

Before you take this drug

This medicine should not be used if:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding not checked by your doctor
• Liver disease
• History of Heart Attack, Stroke or Blood Clot
• An increased risk for blood clots as a result of a blood disorder or heart disease;
• A history of cancers of the breast, uterus, cervix, or vagina

Avoid estradiol during pregnancy. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant while on treatment.This medicine increases your risk of blood clots and stroke. This medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack if it is used by someone with diabetes or high cholesterol.This medicine can actually increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, or dementia.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medication is right for you:

• Heart disease
  If you have had a previous jaundice due to pregnancy, taking hormones, or liver disease,
• Kidney disease
• Cancer;
• Gallbladder Disease
• Asthma;
• Epilepsy
• Migraines;
• Lupus;
• Endometriosis or uterine fibroid tumors;
• Hereditary Angioedema
• Porphyria is a disorder of the genetic enzyme that can cause symptoms in the nervous system or skin.
• A thyroid disease;
• High levels of calcium are found in the blood.

Estradiol can increase the risk of breast cancer, uterine cancer, or ovarian cancer. Speak to your doctor regarding this possibility.Estradiol can lower the amount of hormone required to make breast milk and slow down production. Inform your doctor that you're breastfeeding.

Similar/related drugs

alendronate, finasteride, tamoxifen, fosamax, testosterone, premarin, and reclast

How to take Estradiol?

Follow the directions on your prescription label. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or take it for longer.Estradiol can increase the risk of uterine carcinoma. Your doctor might also recommend that you take progestins to help reduce this risk. Report to your doctor any abnormal vaginal bleeding immediately.You should have your doctor check on you regularly (every three to six months) in order to decide whether or not to continue the treatment. While using estradiol, self-examine your breasts monthly for lumps and get a mammogram once a year.You may have to temporarily stop taking this medication if you are going to be undergoing major surgery or confined for long periods of time. You should let any doctor who treats you know that this medication is being used.

Keep the bottle at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. When not in use, keep the bottle closed tightly.Dispose of all needles, syringes, and other sharps according to your state's laws if you take injectable estrogen. Never throw used needles in the trash.Avoid smoking or using flames until your estradiol spray is dry. Apply lotion or sunblock to the affected area at least an hour after spraying.

What happens if I miss the dose?

As soon as possible, take the missed dose.If your next dose is due shortly, forgo any missed ones and plan on taking your regular dosage at its scheduled time.You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. An overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the vaginal area.

What should be avoided?

Smoking is harmful. While using this medication, you may be at greater risk for blood clots or strokes.Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with estradiol to cause unwanted side effects. Do not use grapefruit-based products.

Interaction with other drug

It is sometimes not a good idea to take certain drugs at the same time. You may experience side effects from other medications if certain drugs affect the blood level of those drugs.Estradiol can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not list all interactions. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.