Information about Estrace (Estradiol)
Estrace is the brand name for estradiol, a type of estrogen, which is a hormone naturally produced by the ovaries. Estrace is used primarily in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis prevention. It is available in various forms, including oral tablets, topical creams, and vaginal inserts. Estrace helps to replenish estrogen levels that decrease during menopause or after surgical removal of the ovaries.
Product Highlights
- It is used to treat menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
- Estrace can help prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women by maintaining estrogen levels, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- Sometimes prescribed for conditions where estrogen levels are low, such as in certain cases of primary ovarian failure or hypogonadism.
- It is used to alleviate vaginal dryness and irritation related to menopause.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Estrace effectively alleviates common menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
- Helps prevent bone loss associated with menopause, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- Estrace can improve vaginal moisture and elasticity, alleviating symptoms of vaginal atrophy.
- Available in multiple forms, including oral tablets, creams, and vaginal inserts, offering flexibility in treatment based on individual needs.
Direction of Use
- Oral: Typically taken once daily with or without food. The dose may vary depending on the condition being treated and individual response.
- Topical: Estrace is also available as a vaginal cream, which is applied directly to the vaginal area to treat vaginal dryness or atrophy.
- Vaginal Inserts: For localized vaginal symptoms, vaginal rings or inserts can be used to deliver estrogen directly to the vaginal area.
- The dosage will depend on the severity of the symptoms being treated and should be determined by a healthcare provider.
Safety Concerns
- Long-term use of estrogen therapy can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart disease, particularly in women who have other risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, or a history of cardiovascular disease.
- Prolonged use of estrogen, especially without a progestin in women with an intact uterus, may increase the risk of breast cancer. Women who use Estrace should be regularly monitored for breast health.
- Estrogen alone can increase the risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer. For women with a uterus, a progestin is often added to counteract this risk.
- Estradiol may increase the risk of gallstones and other gallbladder issues.
- Estrace should be used carefully in individuals with liver disease, as it may impair liver function further.
Avoid Estrace (Estradiol) If
- If you are allergic to estradiol or any ingredients in Estrace, you should avoid using it.
- Women with a history of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or stroke should not use Estrace.
- Estrace should be avoided in women who have a history of breast cancer or those who have hormone-sensitive types of breast cancer.
- If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding, you should not use Estrace until the cause of the bleeding is diagnosed.
- Estrace is not recommended for use in women with active liver disease, including cirrhosis or liver tumors.
- Estrace should not be used during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. It is categorized as a pregnancy category X drug (contraindicated in pregnancy).
