Estradiol is used as a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopausal women. It is used to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness and itch.
Use Estradiol 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.
This medicine is available as a vaginal cream, vaginal tablet, or vaginal ring.
If you have been given the vaginal cream, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Screw the applicator onto the tube.
- Slowly squeeze the tube to fill the applicator with the required dose of medication.
- 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.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after application.
If you have been given the vaginal tablet, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Lie on your back with both knees bent and legs apart.
- Remove the wrapper from the tablet (and the applicator, if this is provided).
- If an applicator is supplied, fix the tablet into the hole at the end of the applicator.
- Gently insert the tablet 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 tablet then remove the applicator.
If you have been given the vaginal ring, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Take the ring out from the pouch. Keep the pouch so you can put your used ring in it before throwing it away.
- Lie on your back with both knees bent and legs apart or stand with 1 leg up.
- Hold the ring between your thumb and index finger.
- Press the sides of the ring together or twist it into a figure 8 shape.
- Gently insert the compressed ring into the vagina.
- Gently push it in as far as you can reach with your fingers. The ring should be in the upper part of the vagina. When it has been placed correctly, you should not be able to feel it.
- If you feel any discomfort, use your finger to push it in further. Do not worry that the ring may get stuck or lost, as it cannot move beyond the cervix.
- Once inserted, the ring should remain in place for 90 days.
- To remove it, hook your finger around the ring and gently pull it out.
Estradiol must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using it even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by your doctor.
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 to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use Estradiol if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history or current blood clot disorder e.g. deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in your leg veins), pulmonary embolism (blood clots in a lung artery)
- history or current liver disease
- recent heart attack or stroke
- history or current breast cancer or other cancer that is sensitive to hormones e.g. cancer of the lining of the uterus
- untreated endometrial hyperplasia (excessive thickening of the womb lining)
- unexplained or unusual vaginal bleeding
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
as Estradiol 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.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- asthma
- migraine (severe throbbing pain or pulsating sensation usually affecting one side of the head that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound) or severe headache
- kidney disease
- heart disease e.g. high blood pressure
- high levels of cholesterol or fats in the blood
- diabetes
- gallstones
- low level of parathyroid hormones
- low calcium level in the blood
- otosclerosis (hearing disorder due to abnormal bone growth in the ear)
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of certain organs in the body)
- hereditary or acquired angioedema (swelling of the deep layers of the skin usually around the face, throat, and lips)
- family or personal history of blood clot disorder
- family history of breast cancer in a first-degree relative
- history of excessive thickening of the womb lining
- history of chloasma (brown patches of skin usually on the face or neck during pregnancy)
- abnormal growth of tissues outside the womb
Inform your doctor if you are an active smoker.
If you have a tendency to develop chloasma, you should avoid exposure to the sun or UV rays while using Estradiol. Apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing and eyewear when going outdoors.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
If you are going for certain laboratory tests (e.g. tests for cholesterol, sugar, or clotting factors), inform your doctor that you are using this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. blood cholesterol or sugar levels, thyroid function, bone exam, gynaecological exam) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of blood clot formation and changes in brain function may also be needed.
Estradiol may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, stomach wind, indigestion, hot flushes, muscle or joint pain, vaginal discharge, and breast pain or discomfort.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
- chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- new lump in the breast or armpit, swelling or thickening of the breast, changes in the nipple, dimpling of the breast skin
- abdominal swelling, weight loss, pelvic or back pain, changes in bowel habits, quickly feeling full when eating, frequent need to urinate
- abnormal vaginal bleeding, painful urination, pain during intercourse
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:
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [an infection known as tuberculosis])
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, nevirapine, efavirenz
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin
- certain medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. fluconazole, griseofulvin
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. verapamil, diltiazem
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- fentanyl (strong pain killer)
- theophylline (asthma medicine)
- St. John’s wort (herbal medicine)
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.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
