Estradiol is used as a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopausal women. It is used to treat symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flushes, sleep disturbances, mood swings and vaginal dryness or irritation.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Estradiol is to be given subcutaneously (under the skin). Your doctor or nurse will administer this medicine for you. Try to be on time during your scheduled appointments.
You may need to use Estradiol for some time before the full benefits can be felt. Continue with the treatment even when you feel better. Do not stop treatment unless instructed by the doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Estradiol.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- blood clot disorder
- liver disease
- recent heart attack
- recent stroke
- known, suspected or history of cancer of the breast, lining of the womb or ovaries
- unexplained or unusual vaginal bleeding
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not use Estradiol if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Estradiol may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while using this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- asthma
- migraine
- kidney disease
- heart disease or risk factors for heart disease e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol
- gallbladder disease
- thyroid problems e.g. low activity of the thyroid gland
- low calcium level in the blood
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
- porphyria (inherited disorder that may cause skin or nerve problems)
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
If you are going for any laboratory tests, inform your doctor that you are being treated with Estradiol as it can interfere with certain tests.
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.
Estradiol may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, stomach pain, stomach wind, bloating, vaginal discharge or irritation, breast tenderness, nipple pain, skin rash, itching, pain in the joint, muscle, limb or back and injection site reactions.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- difficulty breathing or chest discomfort
- severe headache or migraine
- visual disturbances
- breast lumps, dimples in the skin around the breast or changes in the nipple
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for TB e.g. rifampicin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine
- medicines for HIV e.g. ritonavir
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Estradiol.
Always notify your doctor or 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.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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