Drug Notebook

FDA Alerts

  • Estrogens increase the risk of endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women. (See Endometrial Cancer under Cautions.)
  • Do not use estrogens with or without progestins for prevention of cardiovascular disease (see Cardiovascular Risk Reduction under Uses and Cardiovascular Disorders under Cautions) or dementia (see Alzheimer's Disease under Uses).
  • The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study of estrogen alone reported increased risks of stroke and DVT in postmenopausal women receiving approximately 7 years of therapy with conjugated estrogens 0.625 mg daily.
  • The WHI study of estrogen plus progestin reported increased risks of MI, stroke, invasive breast cancer, pulmonary embolism, and DVT in postmenopausal women receiving >5 years of therapy with conjugated estrogens 0.625 mg in conjunction with medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg daily.
  • The WHI Memory Study (WHIMS) reported increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women ≥65 years of age receiving long-term therapy (4–5 years) with conjugated estrogens in conjunction with medroxyprogesterone acetate or conjugated estrogen alone. Not known whether this finding also applies to younger postmenopausal women.
  • Other dosages of conjugated estrogens with medroxyprogesterone and other combinations or dosage forms of estrogens with progestin not studied in WHI trials; in absence of comparable data, assume risks are similar.
  • Prescribe estrogens (with or without progestins) at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman.

Media Gallery
Drug Info Tools
Pill Finder
Search by color, shape and markings. click here
Drug Interaction Checker
Check any 2 drugs for interactions. click here
Drug Compare
Compare any two drugs side by side. click here
Healthline Part D Plan Selector Medicare Part D
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
Advertisement
Marketplace
Licensed from
estradiol
Page: 1 2 3 Next >
(ess tra DYE ole)

What is the most important information I should know about estradiol oral?

Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, or abnormal vaginal bleeding. This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Estradiol increases your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using estradiol may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using estradiol.

Long-term estradiol treatment may increase your risk of breast cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol long-term. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using estradiol.

What is estradiol oral?

Estradiol is a form of estrogen. Estrogen is a female sex hormone necessary for many processes in the body.

Estradiol is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. It is also used to prevent osteoporosis in women and men. Estradiol is sometimes used as part of cancer treatment in women and men.

Estradiol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using estradiol oral?

Do not use estradiol if you have:
  • a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;

  • a history of stroke or circulation problems;

  • abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked; or

  • any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.

Before using estradiol, tell your doctor if you have:

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use estradiol, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Estradiol increases your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using estradiol may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using estradiol.

Long-term estradiol treatment may increase your risk of stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol long-term. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use estradiol if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Estradiol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Page: 1 2 3 Next >
Advertisement
Back to Top