Is vaginal estrogen safe long term?
Although estrogen replacement had been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancers, a landmark new study demonstrates no rise in risk for women using topical estrogen for relief of genitourinary syndrome.
What does vaginal estrogen do?
Estrogens work partly by increasing a normal clear discharge from the vagina and making the vulva and urethra healthy. Using or applying an estrogen relieves or lessens: Dryness and soreness in the vagina. Itching, redness, or soreness of the vulva.
Do estrogen suppositories have side effects?
SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Nausea/vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, breast tenderness, headache, or weight changes may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
How long can you use estrogen cream?
Information for patients High-strength estradiol creams (100 micrograms/gram) applied inside the vagina should only be used for a single treatment period of a maximum of 4 weeks.
What are the risks of using estrogen cream?
Side EffectsBreast pain.enlarged breasts.itching of the vagina or genitals.stinging or redness of the genital area.thick, white vaginal discharge without odor or with a mild odor.
How can I increase my estrogen levels naturally?
7 Ways You Can Boost Estrogen NaturallyPhytoestrogen-Rich Foods. Phytoestrogens, found in plants and plant-based foods, have a similar structure to estradiol, which is the strongest of the estrogen hormones. ... B Vitamins. ... Vitamin D. ... Chasteberry (also known as Vitex Agnus-Castus) ... Boron. ... Black Cohosh. ... Evening Primrose Oil.
Can vaginal atrophy be reversed?
Currently, estrogen replacement is the best way to reverse vaginal atrophy and GSM. Not every woman will be able to use this treatment option, however. Concerns about the long-term effects of increased estrogen sometimes discourage doctors from prescribing it.
Should a 70 year old woman take estrogen?
On the other hand, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says: “Because some women aged 65 years and older may continue to need systemic hormone therapy for the management of vasomotor symptoms, the ACOG recommends against routine discontinuation of systemic estrogen at age 65 years.
What are the long-term side effects of taking estradiol?
When taken long-term, estradiol may raise your risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries.
Is there a natural alternative to estrogen cream?
The most widely cited natural remedy is soy, which is very high in phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. Other sources are red clover and flaxseed, both of which are available as supplements.
Where do you rub estrogen cream?
Carefully spread the cream onto the top wall of the vagina just underneath the urethral area (see Figure 2, yellow highlighted area). As the cream is spread, some may be gently inserted into the vagina: however, it is not necessary to push the cream high into the vagina.
Does estrogen cream really work?
A. Estrogen cream and other vaginal estrogens are very effective treatments for atrophic vaginitis, a condition that's common in postmenopausal women and results from a drop in estrogen levels. Estrogen loss can lead to thinning (atrophy) of the cells lining the vagina and urethra.