Estradiol


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Intramuscular
Palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer
Adult: As estradiol valerate: ≥30 mg every 1-2 weeks.

Intramuscular
Castration-associated estrogen deficiency, Hypogonadism-associated estrogen deficiency, Moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, Primary ovarian failure-associated estrogen deficiency, Vaginal atrophy associated with menopause, Vulvar atrophy associated with menopause
Adult: As estradiol valerate: 10-20 mg every 4 weeks.

Intramuscular
Hypogonadism-associated estrogen deficiency
Adult: As estradiol cypionate: 1.5-2 mg monthly.

Intramuscular
Moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, Vaginal atrophy associated with menopause, Vulvar atrophy associated with menopause
Adult: As estradiol cypionate: 1-5 mg every 3-4 weeks.

Oral
Castration-associated estrogen deficiency, Hypogonadism-associated estrogen deficiency, Menopausal hormone replacement therapy, Moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, Primary ovarian failure-associated estrogen deficiency, Vaginal atrophy associated with menopause, Vulvar atrophy associated with menopause
Adult: 1-2 mg daily continuously or cyclically. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Treatment and dosing recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product guidelines).

Oral
Prophylaxis of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
Adult: For women at significant risk of osteoporosis and for whom non-estrogen medications are not considered to be appropriate: 1-2 mg daily. Dose is individualised based on patient’s menopausal symptoms. Treatment and dosing recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product guidelines).

Oral
Palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer
Adult: 1-2 mg tid.

Oral
Metastatic breast cancer
Adult: As palliative treatment: 10 mg tid for at least 3 months.

Transdermal
Menopausal hormone replacement therapy
Adult: Each patch delivers 0.025-0.1 mg estradiol per 24 hours: Apply once or twice weekly on a clean, dry area of skin of the lower abdomen or upper buttock. As gel containing 0.5 or 1 mg estradiol per single-dose container: Apply 0.5-1.5 mg daily on the right or left lower trunk of thigh. May be used continuously or cyclically. As spray releasing 1.53 mg estradiol per actuation: Initially, 1 spray once daily to dry and healthy skin of the forearm; may increase up to 3 sprays daily based on the degree of menopausal symptoms after at least 4 weeks of continuous treatment. Dosing recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product guidelines).

Transdermal
Moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause
Adult: As spray releasing 1.53 mg estradiol per actuation: Initially, 1 spray once daily, then adjust based on clinical response to 1-3 sprays once daily (in the morning) on adjacent, non-overlapping areas on the inner surface of the forearm. As gel containing 0.25-1.25 mg estradiol per single-dose container: Apply 0.25-1.25 mg once daily to the right or left upper thigh. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Dosing recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product guidelines).

Transdermal
Prophylaxis of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
Adult: Each patch delivers 0.04-0.1 mg estradiol per 24 hours: Apply once or twice weekly on a clean, dry area of skin of the lower abdomen or upper buttock. Dosing recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product guidelines).

Transdermal
Castration-associated estrogen deficiency, Hypogonadism-associated estrogen deficiency, Moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, Primary ovarian failure-associated estrogen deficiency, Vaginal atrophy associated with menopause, Vulvar atrophy associated with menopause
Adult: Each patch delivers 0.025-0.1 mg estradiol per 24 hours: Apply once or twice weekly on a clean, dry area of skin of the lower abdomen or upper buttock. Dosing recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product guidelines).

Vaginal
Moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause
Adult: As vaginal ring releasing 0.05 or 0.1 mg estradiol per 24 hours: Place 1 ring into the upper third of the vagina every 90 days. Start at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals.

Vaginal
Vaginal atrophy associated with menopause, Vulvar atrophy associated with menopause
Adult: As vaginal ring releasing 0.0075, 0.05, or 0.1 mg estradiol per 24 hours: Place 1 ring into the upper third of the vagina every 90 days. Start at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals. As vaginal tab containing 0.01 mg estradiol: Place 1 tab daily for 2 weeks then, 1 tab twice weekly. As 0.01% vaginal cream: 2-4 g daily for 1 or 2 weeks, reduce to 1-2 g daily for 1 or 2 weeks, then 1 g 1-3 times weekly as maintenance. Dosing recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product guidelines).
Hepatic Impairment
Contraindicated.
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity. History or current breast cancer (except for certain metastatic breast cancer cases), previous or current venous thromboembolism (e.g pulmonary embolism, DVT), active or recent arterial thromboembolic disease (e.g. MI, angina, stroke); estrogen-dependent tumours (e.g. endometrial cancer); undiagnosed genital bleeding; untreated endometrial hyperplasia; thrombophilic disorders (e.g. protein C, protein S, antithrombin deficiency), porphyria. Active or history of liver disease. Pregnancy and lactation.
Special Precautions
Patient with history of endometrial hyperplasia, cholestatic jaundice associated with past estrogen use or pregnancy, chloasma gravidarum, risk factors for arterial vascular disorders or venous thromboembolism (e.g. personal or family history, obesity, diabetes mellitus with or without vascular involvement, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, SLE, major trauma or surgery, prolonged immobilisation); risk factors for estrogen dependent tumours (e.g. 1st degree heredity for breast cancer), leiomyoma (uterine fibroids) or endometriosis, migraine or severe headache, epilepsy, asthma, cholelithiasis, hypertriglyceridaemia, hypoparathyroidism, severe hypocalcaemia, otosclerosis, cardiac impairment, hereditary angioedema; short, narrow vagina; uterovaginal prolapse, vaginal infection (vaginal). Smokers. Patient undergoing surgery. Non-hysterectomised women. Not intended for prevention of dementia and CV disease. Renal impairment.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Increased risk of breast, endometrial, or ovarian cancers; endometrial hyperplasia, exacerbation of endometriosis, asthma, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, migraine, porphyria, SLE, and hepatic hemangiomas; breakthrough bleeding and spotting, CV disorders (e.g. MI, stroke, pulmonary embolism, DVT), fluid retention, angioedema, retinal vascular thrombosis, increased risk of probable dementia (over the age of 65), increased risk of gallbladder disease requiring surgery, hypertension, hypertriglyceridaemia, increased HDL-cholesterol and decreased LDL-cholesterol, increased thyroid binding globulin levels, chloasma; impotence and feminising effects in males (when used as palliative treatment for advanced prostate cancer), severe hypercalcaemia in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases; UTI, vaginal irritation or infection (vaginal); breast budding or masses in prepubertal females, gynecomastia and breast masses in prepubertal males (due to secondary exposure to transdermal spray).
Cardiac disorders: Palpitations.
Ear and labyrinth disorders: Otitis media, vertigo.
Eye disorders: Visual disturbances.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis; anorectal discomfort (vaginal).
General disorders and administration site conditions: Weakness, lethargy, oedema, pain, flu-like symptoms.
Infections and infestations: Fungal infections.
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications: Application site reactions (transdermal).
Investigations: Increased or decreased weight.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Leg cramps, arthalgia, myalgia.
Nervous system disorders: Headache, dizziness.
Psychiatric disorders: Nervousness, anxiety, depression, insomnia, libido disorder.
Renal and urinary disorders: Bladder discomfort (vaginal).
Reproductive system and breast disorders: Pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea, metrorrhagia, vaginal discharge, breast tenderness, pain, discharge or enlargement; vulvovaginal discomfort, vaginal haemorrhage, pruritus genitalis (vaginal).
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Cough, sinus congestion, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, rhinitis.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Rash, erythema, pruritus, hyperhidrosis, acne, alopecia.
Vascular disorders: Hot flushes.
Potentially Fatal: Anaphylaxis.
IM/Parenteral/PO/Topical/Transdermal/Vag: X
Monitoring Parameters
Assess personal and family medical history before and periodically during therapy. Obtain blood pressure, serum triglycerides, TSH, glucose levels (in diabetic patients). Perform annual gynaecological exam. Monitor bone density (when used as prophylaxis of osteoporosis); signs and symptoms of thromboembolism, hypertension, oedema, CNS changes. Periodically evaluate the need to continue treatment.
Overdosage
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, fatigue, bloating, abdominal pain, breast pain or tenderness, withdrawal bleeding. Management: Symptomatic treatment.
Drug Interactions
May increase plasma concentrations with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. fluconazole, clarithromycin, verapamil, diltiazem). May decrease plasma concentrations with CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, griseofulvin, rifampicin, efavirenz). May increase or decrease plasma concentrations with protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir). Decreases absorption of folic acid. May increase serum concentration of tacrolimus, cyclosporin, fentanyl, and theophylline.
Food Interaction
May increase serum levels with alcohol. May cause increased exposure with grapefruit juice. Concomitant use with St. John's wort may induce the metabolism of estrogen.
Lab Interference
May interfere with results of tests for coagulation factors, lipids, glucose tolerance and binding proteins. Decreases response to metyrapone test.
Action
Description: Estradiol is a synthetic sex hormone similar to endogenous estrogen. In post-menopausal women, estradiol substitutes for the loss of estrogen production and alleviates menopausal symptoms. It also reduces bone resorption and prevents postmenopausal bone loss.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and mucous membranes. Time to peak plasma concentration: 1.5-2 hours (oral).
Distribution: Widely distributed in the body, with high concentrations in the sex hormone target organs. Enters breast milk. Plasma protein binding: Approx 30-52% to albumin and approx 46-69% to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).
Metabolism: Metabolised in the liver partially by CYP3A4 enzymes to estrone and estriol. Undergoes enterohepatic recirculation (oral).
Excretion: Mainly via urine as estradiol, estrone, estriol and its glucuronide and sulfate conjugates.
Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure Image
Estradiol

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5757, Estradiol. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Estradiol. Accessed Oct. 27, 2022.

Storage
Store between 20-25°C. Do not freeze transdermal spray. Storage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).
MIMS Class
Oestrogens, Progesterones & Related Synthetic Drugs
ATC Classification
G03CA03 - estradiol ; Belongs to the class of natural and semisynthetic estrogens used in estrogenic hormone preparations.
References
Anon. Estradiol (Systemic). Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Anon. Estradiol (Topical). Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Anon. Estradiol. AHFS Clinical Drug Information [online]. Bethesda, MD. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. https://www.ahfscdi.com. Accessed 18/10/2022.

Bayer New Zealand Limited. Climara Patch data sheet 20 December 2021. Medsafe. http://www.medsafe.govt.nz. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Buckingham R (ed). Estradiol. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Climara Patch (Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Delestrogen Injection (Par Pharmaceutical, Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Depo-Estradiol Injection (Pharmacia and Upjohn Company LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Divigel 0.1% Gel (Orion Pharma [MY] Sdn. Bhd.). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Divigel Gel (Vertical Pharmaceuticals, LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Dotti Patch, Extended Release (Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Elleste Solo MX 40 micrograms Transdermal Patch (Mylan Products Ltd.). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Estrace Cream (Allergan, Inc). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Estrace Tablet (Allergan, Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Estradiol 1 mg Film-coated Tablets (Abbott Laboratories Limited). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Estradiol 10 micrograms Vaginal Tablets (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Europe B.V.). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Estradot 100 micrograms/24 hours, Transdermal Patch (Novartis Ireland Limited). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Estring 7.5 microgram/24 hours, Vaginal Delivery System (Pfizer Limited). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Estrofem 2 mg (Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals [Philippines], Inc.). MIMS Philippines. http://www.mims.com/philippines. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Evamist Spray (Padagis US LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Femring Ring (Millicent US, Inc). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Joint Formulary Committee. Estradiol. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Lenzetto 1.53 mg/spray, Transdermal Spray, Solution (Pahang Pharmacy Sd. Bhd.). MIMS Malaysia. http://www.mims.com/malaysia. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Estrofem 1 mg and 2 mg Tablets data sheet 08 September 2020. Medsafe. http://www.medsafe.govt.nz. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Progynova 1 mg and 2 mg Film-coated Tablets (Bayer Co. [Malaysia] Sdn. Bhd.). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Sandrena 0.5 mg Gel (Orion Corporation). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 08/08/2022.

Sandrena 1 mg Gel (Orion Corporation). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 17/10/2022.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Estradiol from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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