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Estradiol

Information about Estradiol

Estradiol Uses

Estradiol is used for hormone replacement therapy and post menopausal osteoporosis.

How Estradiol works

Estradiol is an estrogen (female sex hormone). In women who are undergoing or have attained menopause, it prevents symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings. It also prevents the bones from becoming porous and fragile (osteoporosis).

Common side effects of Estradiol

Headache, Abdominal cramp, Breast pain, Vaginal spotting, Nausea1a, Vomiting, Bloating

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Betina Chandolia

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Lalit Kanodia

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

18 Feb 2020 | 11:51 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Estradiol

Expert advice for Estradiol

You have been prescribed Estradiol as a part of hormone replacement therapy to relieve symptoms of menopause.
It may also be used for preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at high risk of fractures.
Take it at the same time everyday to help you remember to take it.
Inform your doctor if you experience any unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting, abnormal vaginal discharge or vaginal discomfort while taking Estradiol.
It may increase the risk of breast cancer. Have regular breast examinations.
Stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately if you notice unexplained swelling and pain in your limbs, shortness of breath, chest pain, or changes in vision. These could be symptoms of a blood clot in a vein.

Frequently asked questions for Estradiol

Estradiol

Q. What is Estradiol and what is it used for?

Estradiol is an estrogen hormone. It helps in treating estrogen deficiency symptoms like hot flushes (red and warm face) and vaginal dryness in women. It is also used to prevent osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones) in postmenopausal women, who are at high risk of fractures and have limited treatment choice.

Q. When and how to take Estradiol?

Take Estradiol as per your doctor's advice. However, you must try to take Estradiol at the same time of each day, to ensure the consistent levels of medicine in your body.

Q. What if I miss a dose of Estradiol?

If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as possible. If the dose was missed by more than 12 hours, you should not take the missed dose and simply continue the usual dosing schedule.

Q. What are the most common side effects which I may experience while taking Estradiol?

The common side effects associated with Estradiol are lower abdominal pain, periods pain, breast tenderness, endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of uterus lining) and vaginal discharge. Most of these symptoms are temporary. However, if these persist, check with your doctor as soon as possible.

Q. What can I take for estrogen deficiency?

For estrogen deficiency, treatment is based on the underlying cause. Your doctor may choose from a variety of medications depending upon whether your are young or old or have had your menopause. The medications will also depend upon whether you are estrogen deficient or have high progesterone levels, etc. You may be given bio-identical estradiol or estriol or counterbalance with natural progesterone.

Q. Who should not take Estradiol?

Estradiol should not be taken by patients who have unusual vaginal bleeding, liver problems, or bleeding disorder. It should also be avoided to patients who are pregnant or are allergic to Estradiol. Patients who have had uterus or breast cancer, had a stroke or heart attack, or currently have or had blood clots should also avoid this medicine.

Q. What are the serious side effects of Estradiol?

Serious side effects of Estradiol are uncommon and do not affect everyone. These serious side effects may include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterus cancer, stroke, heart attack, blood clots, gallbladder disease and dementia.