Estriol is used as a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopausal women. This medicine helps relieve menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itch and irritation that are caused by the shortage of estrogen in the body.
Use Estriol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Estriol is available in various forms such as cream, gel, or pessary.
If you have been given a GEL or CREAM, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Screw the applicator onto the tube.
- Slowly squeeze the tube such that the medication fills the applicator completely.
- Remove the applicator from the tube.
- Lie on your back with both knees bent and legs apart.
- Hold the applicator at the middle portion.
- Gently insert the applicator into the vagina. Insert only as far as it will comfortably go.
- Slowly press the applicator plunger until it stops. This will deposit the medication into the vagina.
- Gently withdraw the applicator.
If you have been given the PESSARY, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Lie on your back with both knees bent and legs apart.
- Remove the wrapper from the pessary (and the applicator, if this is given).
- If an applicator is supplied, fix the pessary into the hole at the end of the applicator.
- Gently insert the pessary into the vagina, either with your fingers or the applicator.
- Insert only as far as it will comfortably go.
- If you are using an applicator, press the plunger to release the pessary then remove the applicator.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- cancer of the breast, womb or ovaries
- unexplained or unusual vaginal bleeding
- womb problems, such as thickening of the womb lining
- blood clot disorders
- liver disease
- recent stroke
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nerve problems
as Estriol may not be suitable for you.
This medicine is intended for use in post-menopausal women only. Alert your doctor quickly if you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- womb tumors or endometriosis (abnormal growth of tissues outside the womb)
- history or risk factors for blood clots e.g. obesity, major surgery, long term immobility
- risk factors for cancer of the breast, womb or ovaries
- high blood pressure
- kidney disease
- heart disease
- diabetes
- gall bladder disease
- migraine
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- asthma
- otosclerosis (hearing disorder due to growth of bone in the inner ear)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Your doctor may need to do routine physical examination while you are being treated with this medicine.
Estriol may cause any of the following side effects: headache, swelling of the ankles or feet, nausea, breast discomfort and pain, flu-like symptoms, and vaginal bleeding, discharge, irritation and itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
- pain or tenderness in the calf of your legs
- difficulty breathing or chest discomfort
- unexplained or severe headache or migraine
- breast lumps, dimples in the skin around the breast or changes in the nipple
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- palpitations
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
There may also be an oily leakage from the vagina soon after you insert the pessary. This is normal as the pessary contains a little oil to smoothen the insertion. You can use a panty liner to avoid staining your underwear.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine
- medicines for viral infections e.g. efavirenz, ritonavir, nelfinavir
- medicine for tuberculosis e.g. rifampicin
- St John’s wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Estriol.
Let your doctor know if you are using any other vaginal preparations, such as a vaginal douche or other medication that is applied in the vagina.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a cool dry place, away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.