Estradiol

💊 What is Estradiol used for?

• •Moderate to severe hot flashes (vasomotor symptoms) linked to menopause
• •Moderate to severe dryness, itching, and burning of the vulva and vagina linked to menopause, and related burning or difficulty when urinating
• •Low estrogen caused by hypogonadism, castration, or primary ovarian failure in women
• •Certain abnormal vaginal bleeding caused by hormonal imbalance, when the doctor has found no serious cause
• •Palliative treatment (to ease symptoms, not to cure) of certain advanced breast cancers in selected women and men, and advanced prostate cancer
• •Prevention of osteoporosis after menopause, only for women at significant risk when non-estrogen medicines are not considered appropriate

How it works

The label describes estradiol as an estrogen hormone. It explains that estrogen levels drop when the ovaries stop making estrogen around menopause, which can cause symptoms such as hot flashes. Estradiol tablets are given to treat those symptoms and the other conditions listed above.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says to start at the lowest dose for the condition and to use the lowest effective dose only for as long as needed. Treatment is reviewed regularly, and the label mentions that treatment is often given on a planned schedule with breaks. Your prescriber decides how and when you take it, so follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •0.5 mg tablets
• •1 mg tablets
• •2 mg tablets (green, oval, scored)

⚠️ Estradiol side effects

🛑 Who should not take Estradiol, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been evaluated by a doctor. The label says this can be a sign of uterine cancer.
• 🚨You currently have or have had certain cancers, such as breast or uterine cancer. The label notes that some patients with breast or prostate cancer may be helped by estrogens, so this should be discussed with your provider.
• 🚨You had a stroke or heart attack in the past year.
• 🚨You currently have or have had blood clots, or have active deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
• 🚨You have or have had liver problems or disease.
• 🚨You are allergic to estradiol tablets or any of their ingredients.
• 🚨You are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical problems. The label says you may need closer checks if you have asthma, epilepsy, migraine, endometriosis, lupus, or problems with your heart, liver, thyroid, or kidneys, or if you have high calcium levels in your blood.
• •Tell your provider about all medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• •Tell your provider if you are going to have surgery or will be on bed rest. The label says you may need to stop taking estrogens.
• •Tell your provider if you think you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
• •Talk with your provider about heart and blood-vessel risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco use, high cholesterol, or obesity, which the label says should be managed.
• •Talk with your provider regularly about whether you still need treatment, as the label recommends.

🔀 Estradiol with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •The label says some medicines may affect how estradiol tablets work, and estradiol tablets may also affect how your other medicines work. It does not list specific medicines in the text provided, so ask your pharmacist or prescriber to check all of your medicines.

Alcohol and food

The label does not say.

🤰 Estradiol in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says estradiol tablets should not be used during pregnancy and that there is no indication for them in pregnancy. It also says there appears to be little or no increased risk of birth defects in children born to women who used estrogens and progestins from oral contraceptives by accident during early pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

The label says estrogen given to nursing mothers has been shown to decrease the quantity and quality of breast milk, and that detectable amounts of estrogens have been found in breast milk. The label advises caution when estradiol is given to a nursing woman.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store the tablets at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F), with short excursions allowed between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Keep them in a tight, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure, and keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says overdose of estrogen may cause nausea and vomiting, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females. If you think someone has taken too much, get medical help or contact a poison control center right away.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Estradiol

• Why am I being prescribed estradiol, and what symptom or condition is it treating for me?
• What is the lowest effective dose and the shortest time I should use this medicine, and when will we review whether I still need it?
• Should I have any tests, such as an evaluation of vaginal bleeding, before or during treatment?
• What heart, blood clot, stroke, or cancer risks apply to me based on my personal and family history?
• Are there other options, such as topical vaginal products or non-estrogen medicines, that might suit my situation?
• Which of my current medicines, vitamins, or supplements could interact with estradiol?
• What should I do if I have unusual vaginal bleeding or other warning signs while taking this medicine?

❓ Estradiol: frequently asked questions